Anyone had trouble using a cell phone purchased on eBay?

[DrumminBoy]

I'm looking to switch to T-Mobile and I can get the phone I want unlocked on eBay for about the same price I would get it from T-mobile if I signed a 2-year contract. Their website says you can use phones not purchased from them but I'm wondering if they tack on any extra charges. Also, would I need to provide the SIM card or would T-mobile provide it?

 

[Mill]

You'd have to have a t-mobile sim. Why buy an unlocked phone? Why would you need it? Stay with t-mobile for 90 days, give them a reason, and they will unlock it. I've had them unlock two for me already...

 

[The Batt?sai]

Originally posted by: Mill
You'd have to have a t-mobile sim. Why buy an unlocked phone? Why would you need it? Stay with t-mobile for 90 days, give them a reason, and they will unlock it. I've had them unlock two for me already...

does this work for other phone companies?

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: The Battosai

Originally posted by: Mill
You'd have to have a t-mobile sim. Why buy an unlocked phone? Why would you need it? Stay with t-mobile for 90 days, give them a reason, and they will unlock it. I've had them unlock two for me already...

does this work for other phone companies?

It depends. Cingular has similar policies, old AT&T customers have had problems getting them unlocked from what I have heard. My gf has Cincinnati Bell and they did not have access to the unlock codes (after multiple calls and supervisors). When in doubt, check howardforums.

I've bought an unlocked SE phone off eBay to use in Europe and it was no problem, I use a different unlocked phone with T-Mobiles prepaid service now.