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  1. #1
    akashhhhh
    akashhhhh is offline
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    Hey guys,

    So here's the deal, I live in California right now but I'm going to be in Rome for the next few months. I would really like to be able to use my phone (though, not necessarily the phone number) while I'm there.

    I've tried doing some research and most sites say that I simply need my phone "unlocked" to buy a new sim in rome and insert it. The phone is a V3 Razr. Is this all I need to do? Would calling Cingular be of any use? I've been a customer for over a year now. Once the phone is unlocked, will I still be able to use my old sim once I'm back in the states?

    Thanks for any help, I appreciate it. I think it's ridiculous that messageboards are more helpful than Cingular themselves...but such is life.


    See More: Need some help from a Cingular Expert.




  2. #2
    Brad729
    Brad729 is offline
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    Re: Need some help from a Cingular Expert.

    If you get the phone unlocked, there is no reason to "re-lock" it later. It will still retain all of Cingular's browser and text messaging settings as long as you don't "de-brand" it (that's entirely different from unlocking). Since the Razr is a quad-mode phone, it will work fine in Rome with any Italian prepaid SIM after you get it unlocked, and there is nothing special you need to do when you get back and re-insert your Cingular SIM (although I might point out you should take note of whether your contacts are stored in the phone or the SIM and decide if you need them in Rome with you, if not store them to your Cingular SIM and put them away where they will be safe).

    Cingular may or may not be willing to help you, but you can call and try. Many people have been able to get their phone unlocked through Cingular simply by telling them it's necessary for an overseas trip, but lately a few people have said Cingular didn't take the bait (it's an excuse a lot of people use regardless of whether they are truthfully going overseas or not).

    If Cingular won't unlock your phone, you can try going to an independently owned cell phone retailer and they will usually do it for a small fee. Please come back and let us know how it turns out for you.



  3. #3
    Shrocat
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    Re: Need some help from a Cingular Expert.

    Quote Originally Posted by akashhhhh
    Hey guys,

    I’ve tried doing some research and most sites say that I simply need my phone “unlocked” to buy a new sim in rome and insert it. The phone is a V3 Razr. Is this all I need to do? Would calling Cingular be of any use? I’ve been a customer for over a year now. Once the phone is unlocked, will I still be able to use my old sim once I’m back in the states?
    All unlocking a phone does is remove the carrier’s proprietary lock. After it is unlocked you can use any GSM sim card in it. The only thing is that to use a different carrier’s web access you will need to input that carrier’s web info and tell the phone to use it. If you don’t do that, when you get back to the states all you will have to do is put your cingular sim back in the phone and it will be just like it was before.



  4. #4
    akashhhhh
    akashhhhh is offline
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    Re: Need some help from a Cingular Expert.

    Good news, after a bit of haggling and hand-holding (it took about 10 minutes to explain that I didn't need the keypad itself unlocked) they'll be sending me an unlock code in 5 days via email. Thanks for your help everyone!

    Interesting aside, text messaging overseas costs a ridiculous amount if you do it via international roaming, something like 25 cents a message. Instead, just sign up for a pre-paid package (e.g. 1000 messages a month for 15 bucks or whatever) and it deducts from that allowance with no extra charge. Will save you some money should you leave your normal SIM in the phone!



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