Cell Phone Question

[Rammstein69]

I'm pretty far from being a tech savy guy. So I hope this doesn't come across as a stupid question. It's a two parter.

1. I have a Rogers monthly package and a Samsung phone, which I've had for a couple of years now. If I decide to upgrade the phone, do I have to purchase a phone offered through Rogers, or can it be another brand and still stay with Rogers?

2. I have a friend who recently wrecked her phone, and needs a replacement. I told her I'm looking at replacing my phone anyway, and she could have my old (current) one when I replace it. I don't know what carrier she is with, but could she just activate my phone to her service provider?

 

[liveforthefunk]

You can buy any Unlocked GSM phone or "locked" then have it Unlocked and just stick your simcard in it and it will work.

Cant use telus phones, cant use Bell/MTS phones as they are CDMA.

Check out Ebay for unlocked phones.

heres a website with some good choices.

http://www.worldphones.com/

 

[visiting]

There are 2 technologies in cell phones...

1 is GSM, with a small simcard (most common around the world) = Rogers
*You could take your simcard out and put it in any other Rogers phone or ANY GSM unlocked phone, and it would work as your own.

2. CDMA = Telus & Bell


Then you have to worry about "Locked Phones" All companies like Rogers offer it's customer's free or at reduced cost phones for 2-3 year contracts. These Companies then have the phones locked to their service, so that if you want to switch to another provider, you have to get a new phone.

That said I think it is pretty easy to have the phone "unlocked". Once it is unlocked you could use it on any network with the same technology. (GSM or CDMA)

So yes you could buy a phone Online, off Ebay for example, you would just make sure it is "unlocked", or you could look up on EBAY for the unlock Code. (On Ebay most unlock codes I have seen in the past were Instant, vs auction, and once paid you get instant instructions.)


Having said this, if you have been with Rogers for a while, call them up and ask them for your free upgrade. The problem with that is they now extend your contract, but if your happy with the service......

Also regarding cell phone companies, I would recommend that those who use it a lot, to call the providers every 3-4 months, and ask them to study your use, to see if you can get a better plan, they are always changing there plans, and normally they get better....

I just got a 1600$ bill, and when I called to give them crap, ( I even asked to have my line cancelled) my bill is now 240$....... so you got to keep them honest!!!!!!

 

[GentlemanCaller]

Another source of unlocked phones is www.tigerdirect.ca

If you buy or have a phone that is currently locked, search under "unlock cell" or similar on craigslist - there are often ads from people or business that provide the service - I've seen $25 and under.