You are here:

Cellular Phones/Cellular service on pda

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/15/2010


Question
I recently acquired a Motorola MC70 PDA unit. This unit had previously had its cellular service set up with the Sprint network. I am with the Alltel network. I have not found anyway of changing the service over - I have talked to numerous service people about this and am getting conflicting answers. I have been told that I could download a fix via activesync, and I have also been told that you cannot change it because it is "hardwired" into the pda when the pda was originally purchased. Is there anyway of getting our cellular provider installed on the pda?

Answer
If you are on the GSM Alltel network, then you will not be able to use this device on Alltel. The device works on CDMA and the left over Alltel that was not purchased by Verizon is GSM. If you are on the CDMA Alltel network, then the should work because it is not locked to Sprint because it is a third party device (i.e., not supplied directly by Sprint). You don't need a "fix", you just need the OS that works with Alltel. Since Sprint doesn't sell this device, it's really just a matter of checking with either Alltel or Motorola to see if they can get you the image for your phone. They may or may not support this device, but theoretically they should. So, first determine if you are on the GSM or CDMA network. If CDMA, then pursue, if GSM, no way. Keep in mind that it's likely that this could cost you some money to do. I hope this helps.

Cellular Phones

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.