You are here:

Cellular Phones/non sim card phone

Advertisement


Question
Hi DebiN, I have a Sprint LG Optimus S or SL670, I purchased it to unlock and use with my sim in Australia, I was surprised to find it didnt have a sim slot. Never heard of such a thing before, and no one seems to mention it, Q, Do all CDMA phones have no sim and do you know if it is possible that an Australian carrier can unlock it or supply a service to use this phone?
regards
Stan

Answer
Sprint works on the CDMA network today (for the most part, except for their new 4G which is a different technology). In the US, the CDMA provides use the ESN number and wireless number for service, they do not use the SIM slot. They are not designed even with a SIM slot, so can't be converted or changed. If you see a SIM slot in a Verizon or Sprint device, it can only be used with a GSM SIM outside of the US. Do not purchase a cell phone made for US use to use in Australia. If you need a CDMA phone, buy one that was designed to work only OUTSIDE of the US. I hope this helps and hope that you can get your money back.  

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.