Joseph <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:gn9uivcun8ml0be7p47p3octu1ba1u8tv9@4ax.com:

> On Sun, 03 Aug 2003 22:55:03 GMT, "Steve" <sskl1998(no
> spam)@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>I am thinking of buying a cell phone on eBay to replace my existing
>>cell phone. Do I still need to go to my cellular provider to get the
>>phone programmed? I heard there was a SIM card in all the phones.
>>Can I simply swap the SIM card?
>
> Only GSM phones have SIM cards. If your provider is T-Mobile, some
> cingular or some AT&T those are GSM providers. All others you will
> have to have the phone programmed for your number. If your present
> phone does not have a SIM card it's more than likely that you'll need
> to get a phone that's for your carrier (assuming your carrier lets you
> use a phone you got elsewhere.)
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Replies are seldom read. Please reply in the group
>

Most GSM phones are "SIM Locked" to a particular carrier.

Take the phone to the carrier of your choice and they will require you to
probably sign a contract with them. They will issue you a new SIM and SIM
lock the phone to them.

If you have an existing contract they will relock the phone to them.

AT&T has a "GO PHONE" deal which supposedly requires no contract and you
only pay for the time you use. They will still SIM lock you to AT&T.

Dave