"Unlocked" cell phones from 3d party sellers

Guitarzan · May 14th, 2008, 05:16 PM

I have service with AT&T, but have been month to month for a long time, and the price is just as good as any contract. Since the government allowed for consolidation in the industry, the standard contract has gone from one year back to 2 years. I don't want a 2 year contract when the only advantage is a reduced price on the phone but no cost savings on service.

The issue is that I do not like the Nokia phone that I currently have, and want to go back to a Motorola because the speaker quality and intuitiveness of features is better. If I go out and buy an "unlocked" phone from a third party, is it ready to go when I get it and put the SIM card in it? I have found conflicting info from my research on the intermess.

popthree · May 14th, 2008, 05:57 PM

don't know if this helps or not but i've successfully unlocked a couple of phones using software or information i found via google. after doing so i was able to stick an AT&T SIM in these phones and use them with no problem. i think as long as the phone is compatable with the network you won't have a problem. someone who is a cell geek can give more info than i...

TheGoodTexan · May 14th, 2008, 06:29 PM

What I've heard is that they are only "unlocked" until the provider sends out an automatic software update....then they have to be unlocked again.

At least....this was an issue with the iPhones when they first came out, and were only compatible with AT&T.

SixStringSlinger · May 14th, 2008, 06:34 PM

My dad took the guts out of his old phone and put them into a newer, better one a while back. So far he's had no problems. But then, I don't know if anything had to be unlocked or if it was already compatible.

He's been thinking of changing the tone pots and doing a true-bypass mod, too.

Tdot · May 14th, 2008, 06:45 PM

Some carriers have function specific features that may, or may not, work on phones from a 3rd party. Take a look at the unique Motorola Razr versions sold by each carrier.

I believe the main thing to look for is compatible network bands (GSM etc.)

Jakedog · May 14th, 2008, 06:47 PM

I have AT&T, and my phone stopped working last year after it sustained about a 400 foot drop onto some rocks. They don't make 'em like they used to.

Anyhow, I went and got one of those cheap pre-paid go-phone things, or whatever they call them from Best Buy, for like $30. Rather then pre-pay, or use their service, I just popped the back off and stuck my SIM in there. No problems so far.

Jake

May 14th, 2008, 05:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Guitarzan Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hotlanta, GA Posts: 892	"Unlocked" cell phones from 3d party sellers I have service with AT&T, but have been month to month for a long time, and the price is just as good as any contract. Since the government allowed for consolidation in the industry, the standard contract has gone from one year back to 2 years. I don't want a 2 year contract when the only advantage is a reduced price on the phone but no cost savings on service. The issue is that I do not like the Nokia phone that I currently have, and want to go back to a Motorola because the speaker quality and intuitiveness of features is better. If I go out and buy an "unlocked" phone from a third party, is it ready to go when I get it and put the SIM card in it? I have found conflicting info from my research on the intermess. __________________ Set an eye on 'em Amos. Make it count, son.

May 14th, 2008, 05:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Age: 43 Posts: 2,812 47 Photos	don't know if this helps or not but i've successfully unlocked a couple of phones using software or information i found via google. after doing so i was able to stick an AT&T SIM in these phones and use them with no problem. i think as long as the phone is compatable with the network you won't have a problem. someone who is a cell geek can give more info than i... __________________ don't taze me bro !

May 14th, 2008, 06:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
SixStringSlinger Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: Miami, FL Age: 21 Posts: 1,267	My dad took the guts out of his old phone and put them into a newer, better one a while back. So far he's had no problems. But then, I don't know if anything had to be unlocked or if it was already compatible. He's been thinking of changing the tone pots and doing a true-bypass mod, too. __________________ "Is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus, or just a really cool opotamus?" -Mitch Hedberg

May 14th, 2008, 06:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,688 55 Photos	Some carriers have function specific features that may, or may not, work on phones from a 3rd party. Take a look at the unique Motorola Razr versions sold by each carrier. I believe the main thing to look for is compatible network bands (GSM etc.) __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

May 14th, 2008, 06:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jakedog Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cleveland,OH But my heart's still in TE Posts: 3,051	I have AT&T, and my phone stopped working last year after it sustained about a 400 foot drop onto some rocks. They don't make 'em like they used to. Anyhow, I went and got one of those cheap pre-paid go-phone things, or whatever they call them from Best Buy, for like $30. Rather then pre-pay, or use their service, I just popped the back off and stuck my SIM in there. No problems so far. Jake __________________ "Them that don't know him won't like him, and them that do sometimes won't know how to take him..."