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Cellular Phones/Convert AT&T phone to....anything else?
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Question
I have two AT&T phones from my previous account with AT&T. I don't want to go back to AT&T. I'd rather not buy a new phone, these are perfectly fine. I just want to use either one with a new service provider who will give me the best deal.
The phones I have are: Pantech Impact 6000 (nice big screen and QWERTY keyboard) and a Sony Ericsson W580i.
First, you will have to have the phones SIM unlocked (which is not free and people typically charge around $30.00 for this, so that would be $60.00 right there), and then you will need to get the settings to program the WAP and MMS (internet and messaging) for your new carrier. If it's a low cost type of carrier, that may be hard to get, but not impossible. And once your phone is unlocked, there's no warranty. The new carrier will have to have a GSM network. That's the question you will need to ask. So, no to Verizon, Sprint, MetroPCS, Virgin, Cricket, Boost, etc. T-Mobile has a GSM network. Hope this helps.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks, that clears it up for me. I went to a Virgin pay-as-you-go plan ($15 LG phone and $30 for 1500 min/500 text/10mb data) while I take my time and decide my next purchase. Thanks again! | ||
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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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