Can I use my Nokia 3390 if I switch from Cingular to AT&T service?

The AT&T sales rep said, no. I would have to buy a new phone because the different companies use different technology.

I have also heard of companies using some sort of SIM lock that prevents switching.

Any help?

[KevinJames]

ATT is telling you the truth. ATT currently is using TDMA. They will some day go to GSM. Given the model number you quoted, your phone is GSM. Sim lock, in this case, has nothing to do with ATT's refusal (actually, "inability&quot to grant your request.

You will also note that, as a norm, few if any wireless providers will give you information to change the assigned network lock. If you were on the east coast, it would be technically possible for you to start service on VoiceStream (GSM), but (typically) neither Cingular nor Voicestream would help you do that. Similarly, if you lived in the mid-west, where Cingular is TDMA, neither Cingular nor ATT would assist you in coverting the phone.

There are hacker groups that will help you do this, but once the wireless company discovers what has been done, they wash their hands of it.

Bottom Line: Changing companies means changing phones.

Kev

[Leah]

What you are referring to is called "SOC" lock. Each company has its own code. The only company around here (TN) that Ive seen do it is CINGULAR.

Numerous times, customers have brought phones in from Cingular (TDMA here) and they ARE compatible w/ our network. However, I CANNOT reprogram the phone using our Soc and SID. Its locked. And we dont know how to override it, im sure there is a way......

Ive actually had a customer that left SunCom, went to Cingular w/ his SunCom phone...and then in 2 months, wanted to come BACK to SunCom. The only problem was Cingular LOCKED his phone to their system. We could not reprogram our OWN phone!

Id say that is a good question to ask when you start service....."IS my phone locked to your system only"? Many customers have no idea until they try to switch.

[Matt]

Well, it does depend on what city you are in...AT&T now offers GSM in a number of cities in Washington and Oregon (Seattle and Portland, but there are a few more I think) as well as LAs Vegas, Phoenix, Detroit, and in some cities in Florida on 11/15. So if you live in one of those areas (you're a WestCoast Cingular customer I assume) it is possible based on technology. But, as was mentioned before, if your phone is SIM locked, you have to get Cingular to unlock it first. I don't know their policies on that.

VoiceStream will give you the code easily, you just have to be a customer for a few months (3 I think)..... send an email to simunlock@voicestream.com and Robin helps you out in a few days. You also need to provide your phone's IMEI (ID #)