If I have a cell phone from Sprint and a Sprint plan, and I wanted to switch services to AT&T for example, can I keep my old phone? Or do I have to buy an AT&T phone if I switch to AT&T service?

It depends on the phone technology and whether they've locked the phones.

As an example, ATT uses SIM cards but Verizon does not. Their phones are never compatible.

Sprint uses syrofoam cups and string.

I think Sprint is CDMA just like Verizon.

I have service through a local place (Cellcom), but they don't have squat for phones to select from. I'd rather not change to one of the big dogs, as their coverage is spotty at best when I go north or GB.

(Yes, there are actually places north of Green Bay).

ain't that place north of GB called Canada?

8 track,

Sprint phones are not compatible with AT&T...

T-Mobile phones are...

get a blackberry, it is great. I can get on cbid from my phone. Actually now that I think about it. That is last thing I need. oh well

^

Unless something has changed since the last time I looked at the carriers, that's because T-Mobile isn't really a carrier. They are a provider. They provide service, but they don't carry it. They used to buy airtime from Cingular, then Cingular was acquired by AT&T, so T-Mobile's primary service is carried by the AT&T network. They might also be partnered with a second carrier for other areas.

8track,

Replacement handsets are usually pretty cheap. Especially for new customers, you can typically get a new handset for between free and $40-50 depending on the features. If you want a really fancy one (ala iPhone-ish) then you're looking at more money.

Then you just tell the cell company to move your old number.

8 for 6

Just be thankful you even have phones in Wisconsin.

TG,

My only issue with Cellcom is phone selection. The funny thing is, because I'm an existing customer (just changing plans) I don't qualify as a new activation, so I'd have to pay $100 for a basic phone.

I'm not jiggy with that.

Switch to ATT and get an iPhone

^

Why do you suggest that?

Pricey, no?

iPhones are cool toys but they are expensive. I have to have ATT and a Blackberry for corporate reasons.

That's a little to Hollywood for me.

The new gig is going to require some travel, so my 100 minute a month, free calls WI to WI plan must go away.

I hate telephones period, and I've never sent a text. Guess I'm going to get into the 1990's.

Best Buy is irritating me too. They claim not to have ANY new 8track tape players, and pretend to not know when the new ones are coming in.

I hate incontinence.

(That's not important right now. It's just a crappy thing to say).

TG,

Your a little to technical for me lol,

all I know T-mobile and ATT are compatible if the phone is unlocked... Verizon, Sprint, others are not compatible with ATT... (I know that's a simplification, but it works) lol Different systems...

Get a new phone, get a new plan, donate the old one to charity.

RE #11

Sorry, I wasn't completely clear on what I was referring to, I meant new handsets when changing carriers. Some carriers will give you a "customer loyalty discount" which pretty much equates to the new customer discount, when you re-sign another contract, usually two years, after your first contract expires.

I don't know if cellcom is a carrier or just a provider, but if they have the best coverage for your area, you could try talking to one of their reps or a few web searches and find out who, if anyone, they are buying airtime from.

As for new handset, if you pull the battery cover off and read the stickers inside the phone, it should give you an idea what the specs (frequency & technology) are for the phone. Then you just get a compatable phone, and move the sim card (if any) and call the carrier and activate the new ESN.

8track,

Go to Walmart,get an ATT unlimited plan,and get a nice Motorola.I have a Blackberry and I HATE it.Also if you're gonna travel for work,get a 3G for your Lap Top.

wheel,,

#8, cingular was owned by SBC and Bell South. SBC bought Bell South which brought cingular 100 % under SBC. SBC bought ATT and changed all the naming to ATT.