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Expert: - 9/24/2010


Question
I have an old at&t network phone that i need to replace.  I read an article
posted by this site.  I get that i can not have a 3g phone.
How do I tell if a phone is 3G?

Answer
A 3G phone will state in the specs that it is 3G. It will also state that it works on the UMTS or HSPA networks. If it only shows GSM networks and EDGE, then it's not 3G. But it's more than that, unfortunately, if the phone requires a SIM card with more memory, it won't work for you. I strongly recommend you consider upgrading to a new AT&T phone and plan from AT&T. I'm sure that cost of monthly serivce is the issue, but I can tell you that it's well worth it. You will get mobile to mobile with other AT&T folks (including Cingular) which you don't today and you will be able to take advantage of all of the network enhancements, etc. Eventually, your old SIM will completely stop working as the network changes and  you will eventually be forced to upgrade or leave. I would seriously consider doing it now, if I were you.

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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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