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Hey all. I am wondering if you can help a rookie out. I am wondering about using phones that the cell phone companies don't offer for sale?

For example. I signed a one year contract with Rogers AT&T Canada and purchased my T68i at a discount from them. Say I want to now use a different phone. Am I limited to those they are offering? Can I purchase a T610 from somewhere else and walk in use my existing plan with them? Is this unlocking of a phone? Can I take my Rogers AT&T T68i and cancel their service, bring that same phone over to Fido and get them to "unlock" it and use it with them?

I appreciate your help and look forward to responses.
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Posted: 2003-09-17 09:48:59
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I was in Canada ( Ottawa ) couple of months back and wanted to buy myself a phone which i could use in India. But i was told that "unlocking" a phone has to be done by the service provider itself ( its freggin $250 or something ) from which its purchased ( to prevent piracy or some shit!! ). This sucks... I dont think one can even get "unlocked" phones easily in Canada as one gets in Asia....

Yes using a different phone ( already unlocked ) which is purchased outside canada and used with your SIM should not be a problem. Just ensure you are not breaking the contract terms and conditions.
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Posted: 2003-09-17 09:54:49
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I almost always use phones on networks before they are released by that network and have never experienced a problem.

Having said that I have heard of some carriers (US and carribean) that can somehow block phones from their network and the phone just has some message on it though I can't recall the message right now but there are threads on Esato about it.

As for buying a locked phone from one carrier and using with another... you would need the original carrier to unlock it, not the second carrier. Alternatively there are plenty of places to get it unlocked including some remote unlocking places that can do it without you even taking the phone anywhere
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Posted: 2003-09-17 09:55:09
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THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLIES!!!

I may think of seeing how much Rogers AT&T would charge to unlock the phone. I can then take it to Fido and use it with them. ( if I find that Fido's coverage is better)

I wonder if it is as much as you proclaim it to be????
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Posted: 2003-09-17 09:59:40
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well keep these guys in mind...
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Posted: 2003-09-17 10:06:22
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Thanks again masseur!!! I may take your advice.

(have you had experience with these guys?)
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Posted: 2003-09-17 10:09:28
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Usually when you buy a phone from a network provider, it will be locked for a period stated in the contract.
Operators have several options to ensure that you stay with them for the conract period:
1. They can lock a phone to their own net (for example 1 year). In that case, you can call them in 1 year and get the unlock code from them. Untill you do that, you will not be able to use the phone on any other network (unless roaming)
2. They can lock the phone to a specified SIM card (same restricions as above)
3. They can leave the phone ulocked, but require a sum to be payed to them for early contract termination. In that case you can freely use the phone on any other network, with any other provider/SIM card, but you will still need to pay monthly payments to your old provider, or pay them the specified sum and terminate the contract.
4. They may lock your phone to their own net, and require a specifed amount to be payed if you want to get the unlock code before the contract runs out.

If you buy an unlocked phone, you should be able to use it on any network without any problems.

If you buy a locked phone, and can't get the unlock code, you can always use some remote flashing service to unlock it yourself. If you do that, there are some legal/warranty issues to consider, depending on where you live...

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[ This Message was edited by: wrath000 on 2003-09-17 09:15 ]
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Posted: 2003-09-17 10:14:18
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