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Question
My contract is up with AT&T. Is there any way to get around the Sim card issue? I would like to use a much less expensive provider, but I would also like to avoid buying another phone. Well, Virgin Mobile has a great deal, on a phone, but it is aggravating that I have a perfectly good phone, and can't find a provider except AT&T or international sim cards.
Virgin Mobile and AT&T are unfortunately not compatible. You will need to get a brand new phone if you move to Virgin. You may want to sell your phone to someone who has AT&T or donate it perhaps. If you move to another carrier, you will need to buy (or get free) a new phone. Phones in the US are locked to the carrier who sells them, mainly because the carriers subsidize the cost of the phones and this keeps you locked into the carrier for your term. If you have been with AT&T for awhile, they will SIM unlock your phone if you request it, but you would only be able to use the phone with another GSM provider, like T-Mobile, not Virgin. Hope this helps
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| Comment | Thanks. I did find someone (eventually) who sells just the sim card with no contract. I will switch to H2O for a bit and see how that works. Thanks. | ||
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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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