Can someone help me determine if I can use another carrier's phone?

[jme5343]

It's my understanding that we use Sprint's standards, and in some way are supported by Sprint. I need a couple new phones. I was told if I can buy a used nex-tech phone, they can change the number, but no other phones at all. Would it be possible to get a used Sprint phone from ebay and either unlock or somehow make it available for use on the nex-tech network?

http://www.nex-techwireless.com

Most of the phones on their website list CDMA 800/1900 MHz dual-band as the capabilities of the phone...

I don't want to sign another contract, never know how long I'll be in the area.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

If the network is supported by Sprint, then I see no reason why a Sprint phone wouldn't work theoretically. Whether or not your carrier will activate a Sprint phone for you is another story. I would get in contact with the carrier to make sure. And CDMA can be unlocked again, theoretically, but there is much more involved then with a GSM phone. But your first step is to get you carrier a call. If they are a good provider they will tell you everything you need to know, otherwise you'll have to battle information out of them.

 

[jme5343]

When you say whether the carrier will activate, that's the kicker. When I had alltel, you could call in and they'd walk you through the setup. My current carrier did state that I had to take the phone in. So, you hit it on the head. I suppose I'm out of luck since she said nex-tech only.

Thanks for the help.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Yeah it stinks. Some companies just wont activate phones that you didn't buy from them. And some stingy companies like ATT/Cingular wont even give you the unlock code for your phone.

I would say in your case to save yourself some $$$. Buy an unlocked GSM phone of your choice. Cancel your current contract and get on prepay with TMobile or any other prepay company that uses GSM until you know what you're doing. That way when you do figure it out you will already have a phone that can be used on any GSM network saving yourself the cost of a new phone and another lengthy commitment.

 

[alfa147x]

cant you just unlock it?

 

[onlyCOpunk]

CDMA phones aren't unlockable from a user standpoint AFAIK.