Question about OLD cell phone...

[GTaudiophile]

I have an "old" Nokia 5165 cell phone that was purchased with Cingular service. That service has since expired, but the phone works fine. I've heard that old cell phones, even those without a service plan, can still be used to dial 911. Does anyone know if this is true? (I would dial 911, but I think that's illegal to do without an emergency.)

 

[McPhreak]

I know that services can't charge you for a 911 call, but I would imagine you have to have a service to be able to even dial.

edit: okie. Looks like the second part of my statement is wrong.

 

[bunker]

You are correct GT.

The phone can be used for 911 calls even without service.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: McPhreak
I know that services can't charge you for a 911 call, but I would imagine you have to have a service to be able to even dial.

edit: okie. Looks like the second part of my statement is wrong.

I tried dialing 411 and a Cingular service announcement came on, telling me I had to call their customer service before I could make that call. And I could call their CS department, so it does work.

 

[Cerebus451]

Yes, you can dial 911. I think you can also place credit card calls as well, but not positive on that. Many communities have a service where you can turn in your old cell phone and they get distributed to the elderly and/or battered women's shelters so that they can be used to dial 911.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Cerebus451
Yes, you can dial 911. I think you can also place credit card calls as well, but not positive on that. Many communities have a service where you can turn in your old cell phone and they get distributed to the elderly and/or battered women's shelters so that they can be used to dial 911.

What he said.