Switch phones needed when switching carriers?

[Diane]

lIs it necessary to purchase a new phone when switching carriers?

[liamfm]

It depends on the carrier.
Technically you should be able to use the same phone for Cingular, AT&T, Us Cellular, Cell one, on a TDMA network
Sprint uses its own phones, as does Nextel
Verizon works on the CDMA network, so any CDMA phones should work there, but you have to get the new provider to switch the software to their network. Many providers won't do this

[Tripp]

I've done the Sprint to Verizon switch and it was not difficult. You may want to check with the new provider before making the switch.