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Cellular Phones/buy or rent 'burner' mobile

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Expert: - 8/6/2011


Question
Hello,
I'll be staying in the UK next September and would like to rent/buy a mobile phone to confirm accommodations, and other travel related matters. I'm interested in picking up phone in London Heathrow.
Is it possible to buy a 'burner' or disposable mobile in LHR?
I have a very simple dual band Nokia 1616, (GSM 850/1900, EGSM 900/1800)so maybe I could just buy a SIM and a card service...
What would you recommend?

Answer
If your Nokia phone is SIM unlocked, you can use it with a local SIM in the UK. Keep in mind that much of the network has moved to 4G, so if there are spots that only have 2100 band, you won't be able to get a signal there, but you shoudl be okay. If the phone is locked to your carrier, you will have it get it SIM unlocked. I hope this helps.

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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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