Boring Post

[earthrise]

I hate boring posts like these

Comments

[grapefruiteater]

I looked into buying an unlocked phone for similar reasons but didn't do it. New, unlocked phones are quite expensive, and you may want to take that cost into account. Would it be less than the long-term cost of signing up for a new and more expensive plan BUT with a free or cheap phone? If you're paying a lot of money, maybe not. That was one of the things that stopped me. The markup on unlocked phones was INSANE

[earthrise]

Thanks! All solid advice that I would give to others in my situation. I've already spent a good amount of time on eBay and Craigs List.

The main question I still have, though, is whether or not unlocked GSM phones really do work with ANY sim card, or if there are catches. I've not yet talked to anyone who's gone the unlocked route.

The plan is seriously that cheap that I'd rather go through the hassle. Just don't make me talk to another AT&T rep -- I might go into shock from the ineptitude.

[grapefruiteater]

I think they theoretically should work with any SIM card, yes, as long as the phone will work on the GSM network in the country/area where you are (unlikely to be a problem with any phone you would be buying). I had a Nokia phone (originally an Irish Vodafone phone) unlocked in Ireland a few years ago, and then a friend was able to use it with a UK SIM card about a year later with no problems

[cagexxx]

When I switched from my AT&T Wireless plan to a family Cingular plan and wanted to keep using my phone, I had to unlock it myself. Apparently, unlocking most Nokias is pretty easy, and instructions are at http://unlock.nokiafree.org . Most other brands are quite unlockable as well, but despite the freedom of the internet, I did not (as of two years ago) find it easy to find straightforward information on unlocking them