SIM cards and new cel question

Ziltoid · #1 12-28-2010, 04:43 PM

This morning when I woke up my pair of jeans that was on the floor of my room wasn't their anymore, my mom did some laundry (which is great because I didn't had to do it) but the only down side is that my cel phone got washed, it's currently sitting battery less in a bowl of rice.

Since it was opened at the moment it got washed I assumed it's fried, we'll see tomorrow morning.

My cel was a LG xenon (GR501), a phone that uses SIM cards, my sister has the same phone so I'll be able to check if the card is still working.

My first question is: since phones from my service provider (bell) are way over priced could I just got an buy any "unlocked" phone that works with SIM card put my card in and be happy (well several dollars poorer but not as poor as buying from bell)?

Secondly, if the answer is not so easy as yes you can or no you can't, what do I need to look for/watch out?

And thirdly, any reliable source for "unlocked" phones in canada? Preferably based in Canada so avoid customs (which, on a china made piece of plastic would be crazy).

MJ5150 · #2 12-28-2010, 04:52 PM

Yes, you can move SIM cards around to other compatible devices. When we had service from Cingular, all our phones were SIM based, so we could swap phones out in a matter of seconds between us.

Craigslist and eBay would be good sources. Before buying any phone, ask for the ESN (electronic serial number) so you can verify that it is not stolen and that it will be compatible with your carrier. You can do this by calling the carrier and telling them the ESN. If the seller refuse to give it to you, discontinue the negotiations....no matter how good the price is.

-Mike

basstotheface · #3 12-28-2010, 04:52 PM

You should be able to do what you are looking to. My suggestion is buy a 1st gen iphone on craigslist or ebay, real cheap, and jailbreak it through the internet, it'd be legal as well and you can do it in a second.

Ziltoid · #4 12-28-2010, 04:55 PM

When we're talking about compatible devices does this means SIM based phones, unlocked sim based phones, and? And yeah, my ethic is flexible jailbreaking and not so legal stuff is fine by me as long as it doesn't gets me in trouble with my provider.

Pilgrim · #5 12-28-2010, 05:26 PM

I've bought replacement phones on Ebay for years. No problem - get a compatible phone, insert SIM card, go on with life. Also helps you change phones with no new contract.

One hint - unlocked phones may work, but they often lack one or more menu options or functions that your carrier has built into their phones. If you want full functionality, I recommend buying a phone that was built for your specific carrier, not one that's unlocked.

We once bought an unlocked phone for my daughter, but it wouldn't send photos attached to texts. There was no way to enable it because the menu and software in that phone weren't set up for the carrier she used.

Ziltoid · #6 12-28-2010, 05:32 PM

So by compatible you guys mean from the same carrier, right? If not, what exactly is compatible and how can I tell?

I know next to nothing about cel phones.

basstotheface · #7 12-28-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

So by compatible you guys mean from the same carrier, right? If not, what exactly is compatible and how can I tell?

I know next to nothing about cel phones.

Exactly. Non-compatible, just means from a different network, these phones must be jailbroken to work for another network.

Ziltoid · #8 12-28-2010, 05:57 PM

I think I might just buy from the provider if the rice trick doesn't work, thing is I kind of need it now and my kijiji/craiglist empty.

Pilgrim · #9 12-28-2010, 06:28 PM

Up to you...but you can get express shipping on a lot of the phones on Ebay, and they will cost a LOT less...and no contract extension.

Ziltoid · #10 12-28-2010, 06:32 PM

What do you mean contract extention? They won't just let me buy a phone and stick my card in it?

http://www.bell.ca/shopping/en_CA_ON...ractId=term30d

I was thinking of buying that, it's 150$ no term, I figured at that price I don't need to ebay order/pay customs/express etc

DwaynieAD · #11 12-29-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

We once bought an unlocked phone for my daughter, but it wouldn't send photos attached to texts. There was no way to enable it because the menu and software in that phone weren't set up for the carrier she used.

had that problem with my razr from china. quick search of the internet and a little changing of options on the phone and it was all fixed

Ziltoid · #12 12-29-2010, 06:48 AM

Well it looks like I'm a lucky bastard, the rice worked.

Bob Lee (QSC) · #13 12-29-2010, 08:34 PM

Cool that your phone works. A good drying will usually take care of things.

You can do a lot with an unlocked GSM phone, too. If you travel overseas, you should be able to just buy a SIM card and have local phone service. I did that recently in Hong Kong--$48 HKD (approx. $6.17 USD) at a 7-11 for a PCCW SIM card. That came to about 69 cents a day--cheaper than roaming charges. I also have a UK SIM card from brightroam.com.