text messages

[jedapo]

I am with ATT and would like to know if there is any way that I can receive text messages on the mobile phone that I carry and the one that I have at home which I could activate with the same number. I would like both phones to receive the messages. I don't need to send from both.

Thank you..

[wgray8231]

Originally Posted by jedapo

I am with ATT and would like to know if there is any way that I can receive text messages on the mobile phone that I carry and the one that I have at home which I could activate with the same number. I would like both phones to receive the messages. I don't need to send from both.

Thank you..

If the phone is fairly new (within the last several years), it probably can receive messages. Look through the menus for a message inbox--that would be your clue. You could also check the manufacturer's website or www.phonescoop.com or search the web.

[dallison]

both phones can not be activated on the same number at all, only one phone will get the messsages

[wgray8231]

Originally Posted by dallison

both phones can not be activated on the same number at all, only one phone will get the messsages

I think he meant that he could activate the other phone if needed.

[Bugwart]

Originally Posted by jedapo

....that I can receive text messages on the mobile phone that I carry and the one that I have at home which I could activate with the same number....

This question arises from time to time. The answer is no.

I am unware of any carrier which would activate two phones or two SIM cards with the same number.

If you have AT&T GSM service (as opposed to TDMA service), the messages are stored on your SIM card. Just switch the card to the other phone and you will have the messages on it.

[azcellphonejunkie]

Originally Posted by Bugwart

This question arises from time to time. The answer is no.

I am unware of any carrier which would activate two phones or two SIM cards with the same number.

If you have AT&T GSM service (as opposed to TDMA service), the messages are stored on your SIM card. Just switch the card to the other phone and you will have the messages on it.

The only time when I have seen 2 phones have any sort of functionality on the same phone number is when I switched from one phone to another on Sprint. When I did this, I was able to get voicemail notifications on the old phone when it was powered on, but I couldn't make or receive calls on the old phone. It was strange, but interesting...

[wgray8231]

Originally Posted by azcellphonejunkie

The only time when I have seen 2 phones have any sort of functionality on the same phone number is when I switched from one phone to another on Sprint. When I did this, I was able to get voicemail notifications on the old phone when it was powered on, but I couldn't make or receive calls on the old phone. It was strange, but interesting...

My brother had this happen on VZW in December. He got a VM notify on the phone a few hours after we switched to another one using the website.

[azcellphonejunkie]

Originally Posted by wgray8231

My brother had this happen on VZW in December. He got a VM notify on the phone a few hours after we switched to another one using the website.

Must be a CDMA thing...

[wgray8231]

Originally Posted by azcellphonejunkie

Must be a CDMA thing...

With GSM, you would have to turn the phone off to remove the SIM and change phones. With CDMA, you can change the ESN for your phone without turning phones off. Therefore, both phones might be on the network for a short while.

It might work on TDMA, too.

[azcellphonejunkie]

Originally Posted by wgray8231

With GSM, you would have to turn the phone off to remove the SIM and change phones. With CDMA, you can change the ESN for your phone without turning phones off. Therefore, both phones might be on the network for a short while.

It might work on TDMA, too.

Very true! Since all your subscriber information is on the SIM, there would be no way for the phone to get messages or alerts on the phone with no SIM!

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by azcellphonejunkie

Must be a CDMA thing...

No, it happens with TDMA handsets as well. As long as the old handset is programmed correctly it will register VM and sometimes SMS notification if it is on and in the home SID. (I don't know if this happens while roaming or not.)