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Expert: - 4/21/2011


Question
I currently own a Blackberry 9530 (Verizon) but was given a Blackberry 8310 from a family member who was with AT&T. I swapped the SIM card but the 8310 indicates "invalid SIM card". Is there a way to work around this? I called Verizon and they indicated that the hardware between the two services was different and that I could not use the 8310. Reason I would like to switch Blackberry's that the 9530 is so user "un-friendly".

Thank you,

Fred

Answer
Verizon doesn't use SIM cards so unfortunately, you can't just swap a SIM card and make your AT&T phone work. The SIM that was in your Verizon phone only works outside the US. It is for when you travel, if it's activated for world travel. In the US, Verizon uses CDMA technology and not the SIM. The only way that you can use the AT&T device is with an AT&T SIM card and AT&T service. Verizon and AT&T use different technology. AT&T is GSM and Verizon CDMA. If you want a new BlackBerry, you will have to get a Verizon branded device and I would strongly recommend getting it directly from Verizon. What is it about the 9530 that you are finding unfriendly?

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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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