[yjkaries]

I am searching for a new or refurbished phone that is compatible with my Cingular subscription. I had a Sony-Ericsson Z500z phone that was damaged. I know I need to find one compatible, GSM but does the band (dual vs tri) matter? If so, what is the difference - - does it affect transmission? I am looking for a basic phone without the bling-bling ...a basic phone that I can use when I have to. Any suggestions and answers are appreciated...I need to get this phone within next few days. I am NOT looking to spend a lot of $$$ either. Thanks again.

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› See More: Searching For Replacement Phone - Questions

[n1ckel5]

i'll try to help.

for the band, look for the 850 and 1900 range. those are the ones most used in the US. the rest is bonus, since you're looking for a 'basic phone.'

do a search in the forums for purchasing phones. there's links to online dealers, advice on where/what to buy, and other info.

also if you're looking for a cheap alternative, cingular go phones will work if you transfer in your current sim card. at least that's the impression i'm under. and they're brand new phones for low $.

let us know how your search turns out. good luck!

[Bourn Identity]

That's a good idea. Just purchase a Cingular prepaid phone that is GSM and just insert your Cingular sim card, it should work fine. You will probably be able to find some cheap ones at like Wal-Mart or something for around $50 I'm guessing.

[n1ckel5]

do they have them at walmart? i'm actually thinking of doing this because i don't like the c1300.

but, i also don't do it because i know i won't be happy until i have a razr or v551!

[Bourn Identity]

I know they have prepaid phones but I'm not sure if they are Cingular or not.

[n1ckel5]

well, i guess that's an important question!

[Bourn Identity]

The Wal-Mart where I live has a Cingular Authorized Agent inside but I've never asked if they have the prepaid phones. If you want to know your going to have to check.

[n1ckel5]

it's not that huge of a deal. i'm sure i can find them somewhere. i've seen some of them online at cingular.com, but don't like the phones. thanks, though.

[yjkaries]

Thank you for all the info. Just wondering, if I buy an unlocked phone that meets the criteria that you stated above, all I would have to do is slide in my SIM card and it should work...right?

[n1ckel5]

yeah, it should be that easy. but if it's not a cingular branded phone, it must be unlocked. make sure that if it says 'unlocked' that you actually have an unlocked phone. i hear there's some fraudulent people with this online.

[yjkaries]

I bought an unlocked phone from a reputable on-line dealer...I should be getting today or tomorrow and am hoping that my SIM is not damaged although it looked OK and water did not seem to get into it. Thanks for you responses.

[n1ckel5]

cool.

let us know how it turns out. and then post who you bought it from.

[Lord Vader]

[QUOTE=nic_hitchins]

also if you're looking for a cheap alternative, cingular go phones will work if you transfer in your current sim card. at least that's the impression i'm under. and they're brand new phones for low $.

QUOTE]

Buyer Beware.....read the fine print first....If you are actually going to go with a prepaid account, should you need to process a warranty exchange via cingular xbm, you will need to have a valid credit card. However, if you are a contract or out of contract customer who receives a regular monthly bill, than yes go phones are a rather inexpensive way to replace your OOW phone.

(ps, currently the OOW proccessing fee to replace the z500a is $150.00 and will come with a new 12 month warranty.