activating a SIM card

I have a Nokia 8290, which I have unlocked. It has been out of service for two years. It's a GSM phone.

I have asked two Cingular providers if they can put a new SIM card in so that I can use this phone. They first told me they could not fit it with a SIM card, but the standard SIM fits.

Then they told me it cannot be activated, or something to that effect. I know they want to sell me a phone, but I just need a calling plan.

Is it possible to put a new SIM card in this phone and then get it to work in their system, or anyone else's for that matter?

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Hi, i dont see why you still cant use the phone. Just get it unlocked and buy a new sim card and you will be fine. Sounds like they are being awkward as they want to keep you as a customer

That's what I thought. Now, I already have it unlocked. But what they're telling me is I can't use this phone with their SIM card. I just am suspicious that that's not quite true, but, it may be.

I'm hoping someone here who has the knowledge about it and can tell me if that's true, and if not, what steps I have to go through to get it working.

If worst comes to worst, you can also consider prepaid SIM. Cheapest I've seen is 10c a min.

"2 Cingular providers"? Do you mean stores?

Just buy the sim and plan that you choose. Either the reps you were talking to were inept or they're just trying to get you to buy a phone with a plan. A SIM card just costs around $10 - $15.