[Q] Does Sprint unlock the Photon GSM band when contract fulfilled?? - Motorola Photon 4G

Ok...before I am trying to complaint with the business bureau..I would like to get some feedback or opinion from everyone:
1. Currently I am not with Sprint anymore due to the fact that I am getting tired of slow data on their network and has been filing complaint for the past 6 mos.
2. I did pay the ETF to fulfilled the contract agreement.
3. The question is since Motorola Photon is capable of both GSM quad band and CDMA. Should Sprint unlock the radio band for US user to be able to use on the US GSM network?
This is really struck me hard with their level of technically expertise:
4. I called Sprint tech support today and here is the answers:
a) Your phone can't use the SIM card (this is the answered from the Tech Support Supervisor)... After I told him to look at the only Sprint World phone release last year.. he finally accepting the fact that it is capable on GSM.
b) Then he went on explained to me that even the phone is support GSM it can't support the frequency of T-Mobile or ATT network. What the hell?
c) So just for fun, I asked him what is the frequencies for T-mobile and ATT?
he did gave me the right answers on both network so I asked him are those matching the specification of the Photon. he re-plied "YES".
d) I went on and asking him that if I fulfilled my contract with Sprint. Should I (the owner of the phone) have the right to use any carriers if my phone support it? He said "YES".
e) He then tell me that it's still does not accept SIM card with T-Mobile and ATT because the phone does not support it. I ask him why? he said because the SIM card is different (What??????????), Even after I explained to him that I have been travel to Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand I have no trouble using their SIM card.
Man .. at that point after holding on for almost 1 hour, I know the conversation getting no where. I felt like I am talking to and "idi****t".
So now, just for the fun of it I am gonna see if I get them to unlock the Radio Band for US GSM through the "Law" in US.
Any opinions would appreciated.
Thanks....It was frustrated with Sprint tech support during the call, but it's something that make me laugh real hard afterward.

you would be a hero if you were able to get it unlocked for carriers within the US. That being said, I suspect your real issue (and litigant) would be Motorola who sells the photon GSM locked for the US.

you bought a world phone, im sure there is some tiny print somewhere at some point that says its locked for some reason

shabbypenguin said:
you bought a world phone, im sure there is some tiny print somewhere at some point that says its locked for some reason
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It could be...but I found there are nothing in the 2 years agreement that I signed up for mentioned anything about it.
Secondly, It's not that I cancelled the contract and failed to pay their ETF.
I did paid my ETF as agreed in the contract.
This does mean I owned that particular phone.
T-Mobile or ATT always unlocked you phone after contract is over (for ATT is if you are with them for 6 mos.. call in and they will provide the unlock code).

findthedr said:
you would be a hero if you were able to get it unlocked for carriers within the US. That being said, I suspect your real issue (and litigant) would be Motorola who sells the photon GSM locked for the US.
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Yes, I can see that this is going to motorola ... but they gonna passing the buckets around.
I will attempt to contact Motorola later to see what their answer is gonna be.

I say if the companies won't provide it for us directly, then we should make complaints to the BBB as mentioned above along with the FCC.
- Promoting competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities;
Does allowing Sprint to lock the GSM on a phone being sold in the US from not working with US GSM Carriers truly accomplish this?
- Supporting the nation’s economy by ensuring an appropriate competitive framework for the unfolding of the communications revolution;
I don't believe that allowing our purchased handset to not be usable on other carriers while its' technically possible for it to do so supports this either. It's actually an anti-competitive framework that encourages lock-in and tries to block consumers from having choice at the technical level.
It'd be understandable if the Photon was a CDMA only phone, but it's capable of GSM at frequencies that other carriers can use. Sprint/Motorola chose to stop us from being able to switch carriers due to price deterrence by having to purchase a new telephone.
- Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally;
My phone can't use any spectrum deigned for GSM use in the US. Encourage Sprint/Motorola to fix this please.
- Revising media regulations so that new technologies flourish alongside diversity and localism;
Does that mean that you no longer care for the life old technologies that you help enable to flourish?
- Providing leadership in strengthening the defense of the nation’s communications infrastructure.
I don't think that me selling my Photon to a shady character to cover the cost of a new purchase contributes towards that security that hope to foster. In Octavia Butler's "Parable" series, it's common for people to use disposable phones as a means to not be tracked easily and to quickly stay secure personally. Why encourage me to offer someone a high-end disposable phone with all types of awesome abilities when I can keep this phone or be encouraged to give it to a trusted friend once I'm done using it?
http://www.fcc.gov/what-we-do
F-C-C please set us free!
Photon: Let me be me on ATT!
(Honestly, I would jump to T-Mobile instead of them, I can't do so because my phone has been interfered with.)

Updated: Call with Motorola and Sprint
Updated:
Call Motorola today, after frustrating call with Sprint. As soon as I mentioned about SIM Subsidiary Unlock for US GSM, I got transfered to a level II rep.
-The representative understood what I was asking for and he understood that I have my contract fulfilled with Sprint.
-He said that there are no reason why Sprint did not unlock the US GSM band. So he placed a 3 ways call to Sprint CSR. Again, Idio***t Sprint CSR said that the phone doesn't have the SIM card even though it's the World Phone and it can only be used in CDMA mode. Again I got frustrated and told the CSR that Motorola Photon operated on quad band GSM and CDMA. I have paid my ETF and I owned the phone, it does not belong to Sprint anymore and no one can tell which carrier should I use or locking me from using other and It's my property. I told her that I got the Motorola Representative online and would happy to talk to her. Motorola rep jump in and explained to her that it should work on GSM abroad and US. US carriers does operated on the same frequencies that described in Photon's specification. He asked the CSR if I am still in contract with Sprint? and Sprint CSR replied "NO". He asked did I pay my ETF and fulfilled my contract? She said "YES". He then tell her there should be no reason for Sprint not to provide the SIM Subsidiary unlock code for US GSM. He said there is no reason that I could not take my Photon to any CDMA or GSM provider US and Globally if the network supported the frequencies of the phone and use it. Here is the fun part: Sprint CSR then replied "His account no longer active and therefore I could not provide the unlock code" ??? huh ???
and yet my account with them still active but they could not find my phone? I then asked Sprint CSR: do you know what is the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is? and please do not mistaken with the MSL number. At this point both I and the Motorola Rep got tired. She then kept repeating that the phone is not active she can't do it.
I got frustrated, and said this "If I do not get this issue resolve by either Sprint or Motorola, I will complaint to BBB and FCC on both Sprint and Motorola". Sprint CSR said go ahead if I wanted to. Both I and Motorola say goodbye to her.
Motorola Rep, however understood what I am asking. He promised to call me back tomorrow with a solution, but first he needs to research with the technical team and higher management on the matter.
Well.. in my opinion, it's true that the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is the carriers responsibility. Phone Manufacture normally provided these with the phone. It's the carrier responsible to unlock the phone based on the contract agreement. I have experienced with AT&T and T-Mobile when asking for unlock code. They should provided to you when the contract is over or earlier depends on how good you are as customer to them.
Let wait and see if Motorola came up with something..If not I will file the complaint with BBB and FCC.
Even that now I don't use Photon (just got the huge Galaxy Note with AT&T) .. I am still pursuing this matter. No one can tell me what to do with thing that I owned as long as I don't use them illegally. hmmm

roadster92 said:
Updated:
Call Motorola today, after frustrating call with Sprint. As soon as I mentioned about SIM Subsidiary Unlock for US GSM, I got transfered to a level II rep.
-The representative understood what I was asking for and he understood that I have my contract fulfilled with Sprint.
-He said that there are no reason why Sprint did not unlock the US GSM band. So he placed a 3 ways call to Sprint CSR. Again, Idio***t Sprint CSR said that the phone doesn't have the SIM card even though it's the World Phone and it can only be used in CDMA mode. Again I got frustrated and told the CSR that Motorola Photon operated on quad band GSM and CDMA. I have paid my ETF and I owned the phone, it does not belong to Sprint anymore and no one can tell which carrier should I use or locking me from using other and It's my property. I told her that I got the Motorola Representative online and would happy to talk to her. Motorola rep jump in and explained to her that it should work on GSM abroad and US. US carriers does operated on the same frequencies that described in Photon's specification. He asked the CSR if I am still in contract with Sprint? and Sprint CSR replied "NO". He asked did I pay my ETF and fulfilled my contract? She said "YES". He then tell her there should be no reason for Sprint not to provide the SIM Subsidiary unlock code for US GSM. He said there is no reason that I could not take my Photon to any CDMA or GSM provider US and Globally if the network supported the frequencies of the phone and use it. Here is the fun part: Sprint CSR then replied "His account no longer active and therefore I could not provide the unlock code" ??? huh ???
and yet my account with them still active but they could not find my phone? I then asked Sprint CSR: do you know what is the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is? and please do not mistaken with the MSL number. At this point both I and the Motorola Rep got tired. She then kept repeating that the phone is not active she can't do it.
I got frustrated, and said this "If I do not get this issue resolve by either Sprint or Motorola, I will complaint to BBB and FCC on both Sprint and Motorola". Sprint CSR said go ahead if I wanted to. Both I and Motorola say goodbye to her.
Motorola Rep, however understood what I am asking. He promised to call me back tomorrow with a solution, but first he needs to research with the technical team and higher management on the matter.
Well.. in my opinion, it's true that the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is the carriers responsibility. Phone Manufacture normally provided these with the phone. It's the carrier responsible to unlock the phone based on the contract agreement. I have experienced with AT&T and T-Mobile when asking for unlock code. They should provided to you when the contract is over or earlier depends on how good you are as customer to them.
Let wait and see if Motorola came up with something..If not I will file the complaint with BBB and FCC.
Even that now I don't use Photon (just got the huge Galaxy Note with AT&T) .. I am still pursuing this matter. No one can tell me what to do with thing that I owned as long as I don't use them illegally. hmmm
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You should have asked to speak to a manager while you had the rep on the phone. Btw was the rep you spoke with American or foreign to america in accent? No offence to foreign call centers but they are way to close to their sprint handbook. I have dealt with sprint several times and every time I called except twice I got an American who was extremely helpful and have even done things for me without question. The two times I got a foreign call center, I was placed on hold several times, spoke to several different people about my issue and then finally after nearly a 30 minute call they finally told me if I could pay ahead on a zero balance for future billing. Called back a few days later just to verify my answer and got an American first try and without hesitation new the answer and even said I could set up autopay to exceed the next months bill and whatever remaining balance I had would count as a credit towards the month after that. As with any device or technical question I have american call centers have always given a more straight forward answer without all the bull****.
I used to work for an ATT call center and we had to go to 3 months of training before we could start taking calls and then another 3 months of assisted training once on the phone. We had to learn every device they sold and had to know the entire book or they would not accept us on the floor. It payed very well for a call center so I understand why they would spend so much time making sure we knew what the hell we were talking about. Sometimes you have slackers that someone get through training but I can verify that foreign call centers only have to go through ONE day of training before taking calls and only have ONE superviser per 40+ reps as to American call centers have around 10 supervisors to every 40 reps plus supers have to going to more intense training to better assist customers. They can even provide us with an ATT or T-Mobile unlock code even if the phone is not active.
Sent from my Photon Q using ultramegaextremeXDA

Previous call did get to a supervisor and manager with Sprint. No help at all. Second call was 3 ways call with Motorola, Sprint and me. And I am kinda surprised at the second call where the Sprint CSR did not even call a Manager or Supervisor... and she has the nerve tell me go ahead with the complaint to BBB and FCC. Wow, I guessed she did not care. So the Motorola Rep decided to say goodbye to the Sprint CSR so he can get on with my issue. I think he is also frustrated at the Sprint CSR too. Let wait and see how this play out.

roadster92 said:
Previous call did get to a supervisor and manager with Sprint. No help at all. Second call was 3 ways call with Motorola, Sprint and me. And I am kinda surprised at the second call where the Sprint CSR did not even call a Manager or Supervisor... and she has the nerve tell me go ahead with the complaint to BBB and FCC. Wow, I guessed she did not care. So the Motorola Rep decided to say goodbye to the Sprint CSR so he can get on with my issue. I think he is also frustrated at the Sprint CSR too. Let wait and see how this play out.
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Ive complained to the FCC and BBB twice in the past year about Sprint and both times Sprint's reply has pretty much been "f**k you".

Sprint in general doesn't care about FCC or BBB complaints.
CSRs definitely do not - since those complaints are not tied back to the CSR and never impact their metrics.
Also, I've never had a CSR volunteer to get a supervisor involved - I've always had to ask. And whenever I hear a canned phrase for the second time, I do ask to speak with a supervisor.

I dont think Sprint cares about much except whether or not your bill is late.

MadFlava said:
I dont think Sprint cares about much except whether or not your bill is late.
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Quite true.

I thought the photon was locked in the radio software to ignore the gsm signals from att and t mobile in the usa. The Sim unlock wouldn't really do anything because the software on the phone would still ignore the Sim card because it isn't setup to use the Sim card in the usa. I think you are kinda **** out of luck. There are numerous posts about this issue already and from what i understand it will not work here in the usa with gsm
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2

abrcrmdl23 said:
I thought the photon was locked in the radio software to ignore the gsm signals from att and t mobile in the usa. The Sim unlock wouldn't really do anything because the software on the phone would still ignore the Sim card because it isn't setup to use the Sim card in the usa. I think you are kinda **** out of luck. There are numerous posts about this issue already and from what i understand it will not work here in the usa with gsm
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I know it doesn't work with GSM band here in the US. My argument is that I am off contract and fully paid for the phone, therefore I should get those GSM US band unlock. It's not a sprint phone... It's my phone and I paid for it.

I agree with you but the gsm is not locked to sprint..its blocked in rom from the us gsm network...this requires an update to the the radio rom firmware....real world it can be done...but sprint and motorolla will fight it every step of the way...make bet the moto rep that backed you will get an ass chewing from moto managment if they here about it...
It this case they look at a firmware update to turn on hardware parts of the phone as a hardware upgrade..
But again real work kdd japans photon is the same hardware as a sprint photon...replace the sprint firmware with kdd firmware (really just the radio firmware)..and your phone would work with us gsm..may not work with sprint but would work us gsm..
But for that you need to know how to upgrade the rom and have the right rom and sprint and moto are not going to tell you
Sent from my MB855 using XDA

Have you heard back from Motorola yet?
Sent from my Photon Q using ultramegaextremeXDA

Motorola give me the feedback, but it's not good. Generally, I think he got chewed by his higher up. He said he understood that I am gone through, and the only way to get unlock is to have Sprint approval. He explained to me that the lock is in the lower level programming and it is needed to get approved by Motorola. He said really sorry that he could not help more. He have asked me to pursue whatever course it takes to get Sprint authorized.
I felt that this is the first time he step on something like this. Poor guy, he doesn't sound enthusiastic as he did when he first spoke with me.
In any case, I will file the complaint through BBB and see how Sprint response. Heck I don't even need the phone now, and about to list and sell on Ebay.
I just got my Galaxy Note (huge phone) with AT&T and I like it. I think in the past of couple of years , Samsung finally improve their product.

roadster92 said:
I just got my Galaxy Note (huge phone) with AT&T and I like it. I think in the past of couple of years , Samsung finally improve their product.
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Do you like it over the Photon?

roadster92 said:
Heck I don't even need the phone now, and about to list and sell on Ebay.
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I am looking for a cheap one for my wife. What do you want for it?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Related

Verizon Customer Service Follow-Up Survey

So I recieved my XV6800 replacement after I bricked the last one....hehe
Today I got a computer phone call asking for a survey of my experience.
I rated it as a 1. It then asked me to record my explanation on what went wrong and how they can improve. I told the recording that Verizon is crippling my phone by holding back Features and Fixes for bugs in the software due to their greedy corporate hack jobs. I also said that I wish I could cancel my contracts and move to Sprint or Alltel bc they want to provide the best experience possible. HAHA
Now supposedly a customer service manager is going to contact me to discuss further the issues I am having!
TAKE THAT VERIZON GIVE ME MY UPDATES!
Let us know what they say if the do call you. It would be interesting to hear.
I know I can't wait!
what does alltel and sprint give you that verizon doesnt? just curious because im a on alltel
It is all subjective based. Primary reason to most is updates releasing REV A. Altell started with Win Mo 5 and not six. I believe the still have the GPS locked atleast the local Altell store said they do. Go to Sprint enjoy the upgarde and horrible Customer service. I will deal with hacking my phone to get what I want if good Customer Service and network coverage comes with. A co worker had 3months of hell with that company over her auot pay and Mogul issues. She now is wth the big V and a 6800.
Haha I agree with you I like verizon's service(except I would prefer a SIM card and the GSM network) but if we give our great customer service enough hell we can get that new Verizon update faster! Call in and complain!
I'm with Sprint, and they've been pretty nice to me. Not a single problem. But then again I have Sprint Business as opposed to Sprint Personal.(or wtv it's called)
mkenny2 said:
Haha I agree with you I like verizon's service(except I would prefer a SIM card and the GSM network) but if we give our great customer service enough hell we can get that new Verizon update faster! Call in and complain!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have called Verizon and voiced my displeasure with at minmum not having released a rom update to enable Rev A. I got the 6800 because of Rev A option over the I-760. Almost all of their PDA phones don't offer Rev A so why not be able to offer it to folks on one phone atleast. As for the GPS I have also mentioned many of us spend 30-45 a month for data so why do you need another $9.99.
When I spoke to a Verizon CS rep a few weeks ago, I mentioned also that I was looking for the REV A speeds and wasn't interested in GPS since I already use a third-party program on the XV-6800 (IGuidance with a M5+ reciever).
The rep didn't seem to like my GPS comment esp when I mentioned that I wasn't going to be paying 9.99 for their version.

Buy the VZW TP or the Sprint TP? Insurance?

ok, so I picked up the VZW Touch Pro tonight. Everything is great except for the sucky feeling I got jipped on memory compared to the Sprint.
Those of you who bought the Sprint model and have Verizon service, did Verizon still honor any warranty or insurance service on it? My big fear is I pay cash to Sprint for the phone, flash it to work on Verizon, and then I drop it, etc.
While I don't think the memory limit is going to hurt me much today, with 6.5 coming out I suspect it might.
What to do, what to do...
I bought my TP from ebay, it worked great for a month then the charge port broke. I bought spare batteries and chargers and used it for a while because nobody (verizon or sprint) would warranty the phone. Then, a bad flash reset the phone to having a msl of NOT 000000 anddwiping the MIN and MDN back to 0's.
I bought a squaretrade warranty at the time from ebay, so the device is off getting fixed and I am using my titan again for the time being. I f they fix the phone (warranty was a little under $50) then it is the same price as insurance and I will be happy. I can only report my opinions after I receive a working device back though
Moral of this story: If you do not have the original receipt, HTC will not warranty it. Verizons insurance wont cover a sprint phone, most you would get back is a verizon Pro. Sprint won't touch it unless you have a line of service with them.
Hope this squaretrade deal works out...
Kdj,
I'd be really curious how this works out for you, as I have 29 days to decide if I want to go that route.
My Titan ear piece speaker died and VZW swapped it out no problem. I would hate to have something similar with the TP, and not be able to get it fixed.
Good luck!
Yeah, I will definitely chime in on this thread when I get it back. Should be within a week if they work as fast as they claim!
So far, I filed a claim online with them, they emailed me a prepaid UPS returns label and I printed it and stuck it on a box and it is enroute as we speak. If they are able to replace or repair it and have it back in a reasonable fashion I will be pleased.
I also would be very interested in seeing your results. I have a Verizon Touch Pro I got about 2 weeks ago and am loving it so far but also cant help but feel like I got jipped with the -96mb.......... but there is a certain ammount of security in buying from Verizon , you get great support and service for your Verizon device that you wont be getting for the Sprint one from either provider.
Anyways I am waiting to hear your results. Thanks!
Verizon only provides my data and voice access, XDA and PPCgeeks provide the rest!
As an update Squaretrade has received my pro, so I am really getting anxious as to how this proceeds from here. I have been doing research about squaretrade, and most things I hear are good. But I have yet to read anything but random posts or articles saying they are good. Does anybody know personally or can give testimony to the quality of worksmanship they can provide?
Would any body like to see a thread specifically devoted to Squaretrade warranties and feedback from actual users? If this pans out, a one year warranty from them is cheaper than most providers Asurion policies. Maybe I will start a thread in the general section...
Easy answer!
Guys listen up. I was with Verizon for several years and I must say their network and coverage is great. BUT Verizon's pricing is way up there and I was paying a lot every month for 2 Blackberries with data plans and 3000 minutes. $300+ per month got old after about a year of those outrageous bills kept coming each month. So I started shopping all the carriers service plans and NO carrier can compete with Sprint's pricing and plan packages or offer as much as Sprint does for the money. And these days money is an important thing to be using sparingly and we all need to watch our spending. So I jumped ship from Verizon and hopped on Sprint's "Simply Everything" plan and my bill for 2 pda's with unlimited everything Sprint has to offer is only half of what I was paying over at Verizon. And I was only getting 3000 minutes and data with nothing else. I had to pay extra for the text messaging plan. You get the idea...
So now that I got all that out of the way lets get to the question at hand. Which Touch Pro should a person go with??? Ofcourse I went with the Sprint version. (the Verizon version is too square and the sharp corners make it ugly to me as well as less memory and crippled ofcourse as always with Verizon devices). There are a few factors you need to concider when making your decision to stay with the Verizon version or to go with the Sprint version.
1. Network? First things first...decide which network works best for you where you will be using your service most of the time. If the network's coverage in your area blows then don't go with that carrier no matter which device they have that you want.
2. Pricing? If this is of any concern to you then there is an obvious winner in this dept. It's Sprint hands down! You get literally everything for one low flat rate so no suprize phone bills.
3. Devices offered by the two carriers Sprint and Verizon. Both carriers have nice offerings BUT Verizon is famous for crippling their phones while Sprint does not. (another big reason I left Verizon... locked gps on my verizon Blackberry and others and forcing customers to pay extra for a factory equipped gps chip had me furious to say the least! Sprint devices have gps that is as free as a bird to use with any 3rd party app of your choosing).
4. Customer Service??? Honestly Verizon and Sprint both have good customer service so that's not such a concern here.
5. Device warranty? Both carriers are equal in that dept. too. Very good for both.
OK... knowing what I know now, if I were you guys I would return the Verizon Touch Pro asap if you are still within your 30 day "no worry guarantee" period and go over to Sprint and pick up their Touch Pro which is better in every way. Appearance is nicer looking, more memory, gps isn't locked, etc. And ofcourse you are going to save a lot of money AND get a lot more at the same time. That's a win win if you ask me!
Since I've been with Sprint, apx. 6 months) I have had very good network coverage, call quality, etc. It is at least as good as Verizon if not better. Oh there is one thing that is definetely better with Sprint... it's data speeds are far faster than Verizon. This I do know for a fact because I used data with Verizon on several pda devices the past 3 years or so. Sprint's data speeds are faster. If you are stuck in a Verizon contract then your stuck unless you are willing to pay early termination fees. If you're currently with Sprint then you are in the right place. As for using a Sprint branded Touch Pro on Verizon's network, I didn't know Verizon started allowing non Verizon branded devices on it's network. But if they do then that's all good but you will not be doing the Sprint Touch Pro any justice since Verizon doesn't offer what Sprint does. And it would be simply dumb to activate a Verizon branded Touch Pro on Sprint's network, if that's even possible. I tried to activate my Verizon BlackBerry Curve on my Sprint account and that was a huge big fat negative. The device esn's are in each carrier's data bases and if it's from a different carrier then they will not activate it period. That goes for both Sprint and Verizon. I know Sprint will not do it. Verizon on the other hand unless they just recently started allowing non Verizon branded devices on their network, they will not do it either. The bottom line in my post is to go with the better device (Sprint's Touch Pro) on a very good network with awesome plan pricing as well as all the bells and whistles that you can't get with Verizon. Did I mention Sprint is a lot cheaper??? HELL YES I DID!!!
It's a no brainer guys. times are getting rough so you better start thinking about saving $$$ anywhere you can! And we all no that we will pay our cell phone bills no matter what and not pay something else if it comes down to it. Sorry for the long post and I hope this helps some people put some thought into the subject.
That is the classic Sprint convert post
Thanks for your opinion, but sprint and verizons data networks are prety much the same. In the northwest for the most part in far out places that I travel, sprint users have to roam ont verizon network to make calls and data roaming is a whole other animal. I agree that sprint has better pricing and their coverage is getting better. Sprint does not have any roaming agreements with ACS to my knowledge, which serves alaska especially on the kenai peninsula where I travel often. I am not sure if there are many if any GSM coverage up there, as no one in alaska outside of anchorage that I have ran into uses ATT or tmobile. These are my observations and I could be wrong, but when I take my verizon phones to alaska, they play nice with ACS and even recently have allowed EVDO data roaming for me which is nice. I even roam with telus and bell out of canada for reasonable rates. Lets not start another Ford/Chevy/Dodge/Verizon/Sprint/ATT debate
Kinda back on topic, I started a thread in the general section regarding getting opinions on Squaretrade if anyone is looking for options on insuring their Sprint/Alltel/whatever device on a foreign network:
HERE And I hope we can get some feedback.
kdj67f said:
That is the classic Sprint convert post
Thanks for your opinion, but sprint and verizons data networks are prety much the same. In the northwest for the most part in far out places that I travel, sprint users have to roam ont verizon network to make calls and data roaming is a whole other animal. I agree that sprint has better pricing and their coverage is getting better. Sprint does not have any roaming agreements with ACS to my knowledge, which serves alaska especially on the kenai peninsula where I travel often. I am not sure if there are many if any GSM coverage up there, as no one in alaska outside of anchorage that I have ran into uses ATT or tmobile. These are my observations and I could be wrong, but when I take my verizon phones to alaska, they play nice with ACS and even recently have allowed EVDO data roaming for me which is nice. I even roam with telus and bell out of canada for reasonable rates. Lets not start another Ford/Chevy/Dodge/Verizon/Sprint/ATT debate
Kinda back on topic, I started a thread in the general section regarding getting opinions on Squaretrade if anyone is looking for options on insuring their Sprint/Alltel/whatever device on a foreign network:
HERE And I hope we can get some feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's true Verizon has great coverage and roaming agreements. In your case living way out where you live/work you probably don't have too many choices and gsm networks just suck so that's totally out of the question, especially for you. As for most people, we live in metro areas that have good coverage where we commute on a daily basis. As for my post being a "classic" Sprint convert... sorry I wasted your time but it's my personal take and nothing that needs to be titled as classic or however you see it way out in the boonies where you live.
Back to the post topic... Does Verizon even allow non Verizon devices to be activated on their network? The Sprint devices esn's will not be in Verizon's database so even if you flash the Sprint Touch Pro with Verizon firmware that's still not going to change the esn or rebrand the device. Someone enlighten me if this carrier policy has been lifted...
There is a large thread on ppcgeeks devoted to getting Sprints touch pro on verizon network. I have one that was fully functional (minus the charge port issues stated) and the process has worked for various other HTC models including the diamond and mogul too. If you can load a verizon PRL on a device and change the MSL to 000000, it can be on verizons network. Verizon customers can call *228 and choose option 3, which programs whatever phone your calling from to your account and number.
And calm down, I was teasing you about being a sprint convert!
So technically, we know we CAN use a Sprint phone on the Verizon network. It's just the "What if it dies" factor is still there. It's not an inexpensive device, so the thought of carrying it around all day, potentially losing it, is pretty deterring.
Let's hope your warranty works out
I agree with tx_dbs_tx. He gave pros and cons for both sides. I personally agree with him choosing Sprint's version over Verizon's for the performance, memory, and looks of the device. The Sprint Pro is slick and sturdy, there data speeds ARE faster than Verizon's and I have seen the numbers to prove it. Sprint's data is the #1 reason I have service with them, #2 reason is the great prices, #3 the insurance and service and repair is nice and have always had good luck with that. If you REALLY want to do it, and have found the correct way to use the device on that network then go for it, but you won't be disappointed with Sprint.
Thank you all for your opinions, but the original topic was about insuring the device, not which service is better.
As a little update, they sent me an email today saying my device had been repaired and it has already left via UPS second day air. Got an email with tracking number from UPS too. I think they may exchange it for a refurb unit for how fast it took them, but I am not too concerned with that. Post back with final results in a few days.
So far, I am pleased with my experience regarding Squaretrade.
For anyone interested, Squaretrade fixed my charge port and shipped my Touch pro back the same day they received it. I got the actual same device back and the port works and I have been able to reprogram it and get it working again. For $47.99 and no deductible for part failure I would definitely say it was worth it to buy their warranty.
They even replaced the little friction slide in my stylus hole that I accidently ripped out trying to take it apart They stand behind their claims and are inexpensive, so I would recommend them to anyone buying phones off of ebay.
I bought a sprint TP on ebay after trying the phone @ both Sprint and Verizon. The verizon phone had a lag by comparison. Memory is the key here. Interestingly enough the Verizon party line is that they lowered the memory to keep the cost down. HMMM... They still charge more than Sprint for the phone.
Moving the phone off Sprint to Verizon was not for the faint of heart, but not all that difficult if you are willing to invest the time. The one thing you will have to put up with (at least I have not figured it out) is that the phone will show that you are roaming at all times.
Oh, and the Sprint phone looks better...
IMHO
You can definately move devices between networks.
You need QPST 2.7.3+, DUMA KEYS, YOUR MSID, bITPIM, MODEM DRIVER, and some guts.
You can find good instructions and tools @ PPC GEEKS.
Search "Sprint Touch Pro on VZW Network Tutorial "
MM
mike2037 said:
I bought a sprint TP on ebay after trying the phone @ both Sprint and Verizon. The verizon phone had a lag by comparison. Memory is the key here. Interestingly enough the Verizon party line is that they lowered the memory to keep the cost down. HMMM... They still charge more than Sprint for the phone.
Moving the phone off Sprint to Verizon was not for the faint of heart, but not all that difficult if you are willing to invest the time. The one thing you will have to put up with (at least I have not figured it out) is that the phone will show that you are roaming at all times.
Oh, and the Sprint phone looks better...
IMHO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some patched PRLs over at ppcgeeks that gets rid of the roaming triangle, and you can use QPST to change your carrier banner. I never was able to update my ERI.
Thanks. I actually found those after leaving my post. The ERI did not work for me either.

can i unlock my sprint touch pro to work wit verizon?

how can i reflash my sprint htc touch pro 2 work wit verizon. i switched to verizon but i got a one of those pos free phones n i wanna noe if i can use my sprint touch pro on verizon. any help is appreciated thanx
Yes instructions are at the PPCGeeks site
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44663
eastsidewarrior said:
how can i reflash my sprint htc touch pro 2 work wit verizon. i switched to verizon but i got a one of those pos free phones n i wanna noe if i can use my sprint touch pro on verizon. any help is appreciated thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=61926 the trick no longer works!
Verizon cought on when their TPs weren't selling as much
mkalbouneh said:
Verizon cought on when their TPs weren't selling as much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geeee I wonder why the super duper cripple Verizon touch pros are not selling...
Retarded Verizon... I recently broke my unlocked sprint touch pro on vzw... now i'm screwed and cant get another one on Verizon service... Back to the outdated xv6800 for me
I'm starting to hate verizon...
anyone know of a work around? I just bought a sprint tp to activate on my verizon plan.
yeah, call them and have them add your MEID to their database and wait. Then switch carriers when they balk at the idea
Actually guys, I just spoke with VZW customer service today and they put me on hold to talk to tech support and they told me there was no problem activating the Sprint Touch Pro on their network. They advised me to unlock the phone, then take it into Verizon Wireless service center and they could flash verizon's ROM to it and change the MEID to work in their system.
Did you have any luck at VZW? If this is what they do, couldn't we just flash a vzw ROM on our own and go in? I just cant see the tech's at vzw actually do this.
Well, of course VZW has ****ed yet another long standing customer. I called and was told what I stated in my earlier post. So I went off and bought a sprint touch on craigslist. Well I unlock it and take it in, then of course, NO we cannot do anthing like that. Called tech support twice and was given 2 more different contradicting stories. Well now I am completely livid after being lied to several times, spending the cash on a phone I am being told I can now not activate on vzw, and no way to be compinsated for my money spent.
Spoke with a supervisor on my 4th call to VZW explaining to her that I understood they can add the MEIDs, but "aren't allowed", so now I am just seeking some type of compensation for my wasted time and cash on the sprint Touch Pro purchase. After all said and done, I get offered an extra $50 credit on a new phone if I choose to sign up for my new every two agreement on the 21st of this month!
I guess I'll bite the bullet and get the damn crippled ass VZW version touch pro, but going to see if they can give me a $100 extra credit instead. We'll see.
And before any VZW touch pro owners flame me, I know the RAM doesn't make that much increase in performance between VZW and Sprint's TP. I just like the sprint versions look more and of course HATE the gay ass offset "M" key keyboard. (Worst design that could have been easily fixed)
nighcore said:
Well, of course VZW has ****ed yet another long standing customer. I called and was told what I stated in my earlier post. So I went off and bought a sprint touch on craigslist. Well I unlock it and take it in, then of course, NO we cannot do anthing like that. Called tech support twice and was given 2 more different contradicting stories. Well now I am completely livid after being lied to several times, spending the cash on a phone I am being told I can now not activate on vzw, and no way to be compinsated for my money spent.
Spoke with a supervisor on my 4th call to VZW explaining to her that I understood they can add the MEIDs, but "aren't allowed", so now I am just seeking some type of compensation for my wasted time and cash on the sprint Touch Pro purchase. After all said and done, I get offered an extra $50 credit on a new phone if I choose to sign up for my new every two agreement on the 21st of this month!
I guess I'll bite the bullet and get the damn crippled ass VZW version touch pro, but going to see if they can give me a $100 extra credit instead. We'll see.
And before any VZW touch pro owners flame me, I know the RAM doesn't make that much increase in performance between VZW and Sprint's TP. I just like the sprint versions look more and of course HATE the gay ass offset "M" key keyboard. (Worst design that could have been easily fixed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen! I've got a Sprint TP (VZW Enabled) right in front of me. When I say VZW Enabled, I mean that if I dial *611, I get VZW. There is nothing between this phone and VZW service but them administratively allowing it. Tommorow I'm going to try an experiment someone else suggested. I will setup the phone for Alltel, activate there (no contract required unlike VZW since I have the phone), then once it's working, walk into a VZW store and tell them I'd like to port my service (and phone) over to them (this should give them incentive right?). Then I can just cancel service with Alltel (no penalty) and be done with it. here's hoping.
All you nay-sayers can keep your pie-holes filled. Nobody wants to here "can't" or "won't"
I don't think that will work. The problem is getting the Meid on verizons DMD. It's possible it could work but it seems a lot more work/trouble. It would be easier for you to sell your sprint TP for an alltel TP and just activate that. Please let me know if it'll work as I'm trying to activate my sprint TP too.
rainabba said:
Amen! I've got a Sprint TP (VZW Enabled) right in front of me. When I say VZW Enabled, I mean that if I dial *611, I get VZW. There is nothing between this phone and VZW service but them administratively allowing it. Tommorow I'm going to try an experiment someone else suggested. I will setup the phone for Alltel, activate there (no contract required unlike VZW since I have the phone), then once it's working, walk into a VZW store and tell them I'd like to port my service (and phone) over to them (this should give them incentive right?). Then I can just cancel service with Alltel (no penalty) and be done with it. here's hoping.
All you nay-sayers can keep your pie-holes filled. Nobody wants to here "can't" or "won't"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did this work out for you?
tbhall77 said:
How did this work out for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. Just flashed to 21725 yesterday and I'm still going strong. Once I switched service back to my Vogue and had trouble getting data back on my TP. Trick I found is to activate service on another phone (Vogue in my case), get everything working propertly, then use QPST to copy your keys. Activate the TP again and copy the keys in place. I think this is needed because SOME aspect of my Sprint TP hasn't been updated so OTA can't push the new keys down to the phone.

[Q] AT&T Denied my Unlock Request Until December?!

I spoke with an AT&T rep today about getting my unlock code since I'll be in korea, but according to them, they cannot unlock my phone since AT&T has an exclusivity contract on my phone until December. I thought I read somewhere that if you ask nicely they will unlock it for you?
Keep calling and keep pestering them. If you get no joy from the rep, get their supervisor/manager on the phone. Eventually you should get someone who will give you the unlock code. It is sometimes a pain getting the code from them, but they should give it to you. Tell them you weren't told anything about exclusivity when you bought the phone, and that you specifically asked about it being unlocked, and was told customer support would do it for you.
If all else fail, try cellunlocker.net
That's how I got mine unlocked.
There is a three day turnaround wait for the code, but if there's no option, what should you do?
- Sent from my ATRIX 4G using XDA app -
Yeah you have to keep calling them and bother them to give you the unlock code... I had a Rep tell me there are no unlock codes but I imagine she didn't know what she was doing so I talked to someone higher up and bam got it...
Sent from my Motorola Olympus running gingerblur 3.5 on 1.8.3 using XDA App
You can keep calling, but they simply don't give us the unlock codes until December. The codes come from Moto, and AT&T locks them down till exclusivity ends.
link12245 said:
You can keep calling, but they simply don't give us the unlock codes until December. The codes come from Moto, and AT&T locks them down till exclusivity ends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then the people reporting that they have gotten it are merely trolling me? or is this a new policy?
willy101 said:
So then the people reporting that they have gotten it are merely trolling me? or is this a new policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see anyone in this particular thread trolling you, and only one person stated they got the code. We are only giving our opinions to try and help you get it. I myself have not asked for the unlock code for the Atrix, but my response was from previous experience, both of myself and people I know with other phones. If there is in fact a contractual reason why they will not give you the code, that's the first time I have heard of it, but that doesn't mean it's not true.
If you need it unlocked badly and are getting no joy from AT&T, I suggest going the cellunlocker.net route as was previously mentioned by Rayan.
AT&T gave me the same bull****, but said that they'll be able to give the code in August. I told them to screw off, got my code from cellunlocker.net for $20, and am a happy customer of T-Mobile. Sadly this was in March, before the AT&T merger.
samarth1 said:
Sadly this was in March, before the AT&T merger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They haven't merged yet, and it will be over a year for all the legalities to work themselves out. There are many areas where this could fall through.
My company went through a buyout last year, and it took 1-1/2 years for all the attorneys to balance everything according to all the laws, and satisfy the different governing bodies.
Also, there are all the benefits systems, etc. to bring into line, which takes a huge effort outside of the general legal battles.
I doubt you will see the merger finalized for at least a year, and even then it won't be a done deal until the shareholders all agree on a date when T-Mobile USA will actually become AT&T.
This was on television the other night, and I also found it online just now:
It seems that if the deal does not get FCC approval, then AT&T will pay T-Mobile a $3 billion "breakup fee," give them some AWS spectrum it does not need, and give T-Mob a roaming agreement "at an agreeable price."
With that kind of payout if it doesn't happen, AT&T is going to make sure they take their time, cross all their t's, and dot all their i's so it goes through OK and they don't end up with half a network.
In a nutshell, you don't have to worry until you are another 2 phone generations away! LOL
Okay, thanks for all the information. I'm going to try talking to them in store since I'll be there to replace my phone anyway. Thanks all.

AT&T won't confirm IMEI on the phone

I buy wholesale lots of phones and resell them individually on ebay. Now I have to check IMEIs on ATT and T-Mobile since they started this whole blacklist bullcrap. The bad thing is that AT&T won't give me information or tell me if phones are blacklisted or not. They'll tell me to "bring it into your local store and they can check it". I know the only reason they do this is because the store will take it away from me if it shows up as a lost or stolen device. Eff that. I already paid money for it, I can at least sell it for parts or try to get my money back!
I was on AT&T chat today, and I heard a new one that I can't understand: "It is an at&t phone but it's from a resellers account that means the service provider of that phone only buy cellphone service from us at&t that they provide to theyre customers. So with that, the account the phone came from is not directly connected with us for me to identify if the phone is cleared to be bought or not. I am sorry though."
...what does that even mean? It's an i717 Note for AT&T, so I'm confused.
Also, if I got AT&T and T-Mobile prepaid plans, could I use those SIMs to check the phones and see if they worked? This new blacklisting database is really making life difficult for me...
In sorry for the hardship for you as an independent seller but I'm beyond happy about the new black list as a consumer who has had his new phone stolen and T-Mobile basically said "oh well".
It's about time they implemented this.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
mooglepimp said:
I buy wholesale lots of phones and resell them individually on ebay. Now I have to check IMEIs on ATT and T-Mobile since they started this whole blacklist bullcrap. The bad thing is that AT&T won't give me information or tell me if phones are blacklisted or not. They'll tell me to "bring it into your local store and they can check it". I know the only reason they do this is because the store will take it away from me if it shows up as a lost or stolen device. Eff that. I already paid money for it, I can at least sell it for parts or try to get my money back!
I was on AT&T chat today, and I heard a new one that I can't understand: "It is an at&t phone but it's from a resellers account that means the service provider of that phone only buy cellphone service from us at&t that they provide to theyre customers. So with that, the account the phone came from is not directly connected with us for me to identify if the phone is cleared to be bought or not. I am sorry though."
...what does that even mean? It's an i717 Note for AT&T, so I'm confused.
Also, if I got AT&T and T-Mobile prepaid plans, could I use those SIMs to check the phones and see if they worked? This new blacklisting database is really making life difficult for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's likely a straight talk device, or a device from a reseller.
Basically, even though it's an ATT device, it was sold buy a reseller account, and not ATT. Even if it runs on the ATT network.
they dont keep the IMEI numbers from reseller phones, only the ones they sell directly, so they cant release an IMEI number for use on the network, because they have no record of it to release.
Clear as mud ?....LOL
But a prepaid sim should fire up, with the right APN settings...g
uoY_redruM said:
In sorry for the hardship for you as an independent seller but I'm beyond happy about the new black list as a consumer who has had his new phone stolen and T-Mobile basically said "oh well".
It's about time they implemented this.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I can empathize with you....it seems that they are doing nothing but screwing over the person who buys a resold phone. Nothing they do will protect you as the person who got it stolen, and they make is SOOOOO DIFFICULT to check the IMEI that it really just screws over the buyer who got a blacklisted phone and now can't do anything about it :-/

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