Need service in bay area for unlocked GSM phone

[kster]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, I tried doing a search but couldn't find an answer.

I just bought an unlocked Nokia 6610 (a tri-band GSM phone) and I'm looking for service in the SF Bay Area. When I called AT&T they said they won't provide service for this phone because they don't support it and so they can't lock the phone to the SIM. Is this true? Does AT&T SIM lock all phones? Even the ones that they don't sell? I thought I could just signup for service, with or without a contract, get an AT&T SIM and keep my phone unlocked.

Can I signup for service from T-Mobile without them SIM locking the phone? Other Suggestions?

Having the service provider lock my phone defeats the purpose of paying full price.

Thanks.

[ZaphodB]

Originally posted by: kster
Hi, I'm new to this forum, I tried doing a search but couldn't find an answer.

I just bought an unlocked Nokia 6610 (a tri-band GSM phone) and I'm looking for service in the SF Bay Area. When I called AT&T they said they won't provide service for this phone because they don't support it and so they can't lock the phone to the SIM. Is this true? Does AT&T SIM lock all phones? Even the ones that they don't sell? I thought I could just signup for service, with or without a contract, get an AT&T SIM and keep my phone unlocked.

Can I signup for service from T-Mobile without them SIM locking the phone? Other Suggestions?

Having the service provider lock my phone defeats the purpose of paying full price.

Thanks.

If you take the phone to a Cingular store they'll activate it for you without a contract. For AT&T and T-Mobile, just get a plan and the cheapest phone they have (or the free one). When you get home, take the SIM out of the one they gave you and chuck the free phone in a drawer (it may come in handy if you run low on battery at a critical moment, &c.). Put the SIM in the 6610. Turn it on. They have no way of knowing what phone you're using, since all the connection information is stored on the SIM.

[kster]

Thanks for the tip ZaphodB. I didn't know I could simply swap in an AT&T SIM and begin using it. So I guess they don't lock the SIM to the phone you purchase (or can't).

Now I just have to decide between Cingular, T-Mobile and AT&T. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I saw that you can buy a SIM from T-Mobile for $90, this may be a good way to try out their network without a long term contract.

[CommuteMan]

Sounds like you talked to a store rep who wanted to sell you a phone.

You can buy an ATT SIM on eBay, contact ATT and tell them you already have a phone (pick any supported GSM model), and ask them to activate the SIM on whatever plan you choose.

There is also a number on the ATTWS site "if you have equipment that is compaitble and would like to begin service".

CM

[CaliphoniaBoy]

Originally posted by: kster
Thanks for the tip ZaphodB. I didn't know I could simply swap in an AT&T SIM and begin using it. So I guess they don't lock the SIM to the phone you purchase (or can't).

Now I just have to decide between Cingular, T-Mobile and AT&T. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I saw that you can buy a SIM from T-Mobile for $90, this may be a good way to try out their network without a long term contract.

$90 for a Sim... that's sounds to expensive! The most you should pay a $20 activation fee or so but I would agree with Zaphod: you get a nice free phone from many providers without paying for it. I have friends who got the SE T300 Cameraphone for free with Tmobile (from an independent dealer). Even if you want to stick with your phone it may be worthwhile going this way as the e.g. T300 goes for about $100 on ebay...

C.

[kster]

Thanks for the tips guys. I ended up getting a Siemens C56 from Good Guys. They have a special now where you pay $50 for the phone and get a $100 rebate.

I plugged AT&T's SIM into the 6610 and it works great. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[ZaphodB]

Originally posted by: kster
Thanks for the tips guys. I ended up getting a Siemens C56 from Good Guys. They have a special now where you pay $50 for the phone and get a $100 rebate.

I plugged AT&T's SIM into the 6610 and it works great. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Beautiful. That's what we like to hear [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]