Cellular Phones/3G Sim Card swap

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Question
Hi DebiN. I have an ATT Blackjack 2 with the full unlimited data plan with tethering and my contract is now up. My question is will my 3G sim card work properly in either the Blackberry Bold 9700 or the new Torch? I do not want to get a new phone and contract from ATT because I was told I would no longer get the unlimited data plan.

Answer
Yes, your SIM Card will work with a new Torch or Bold. HOWEVER, you will want to check in with AT&T and have them switch your plan from a SmartPhone Data Plan to a BlackBerry data plan. The plans are different and you can't use a BlackBerry without a BlackBerry data plan. You will not have to sign a new contract if you don't buy the phone from AT&T, just make sure that the BlackBerry is branded by AT&T. The other thing that I might mention is that 2GIG is a pretty large size plan and it's $5.00 less than the unlimited plan. The Torch is only $199.99 with a 2 year agreement and you will likely end up paying a lot more to try to get this device somewhere else. The Torch is an AT&T exclusive so I'm not sure where you would get one if not from AT&T. In my opinion, it's not worth worrying about the plan. You very likely wont' go over the 2Gig, especially with a BlackBerry. They are very efficient when it comes to data. I hope this helps.

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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