[am3]

Hi all,

basically, im getting a blackberry from my uncle, because he is getting a new phone, so giving me it..

only problem is that it is locked or blocked (whatever the correct word is) to T-Mobile, - and i have an Orange Sim, and it would be too much trouble to change network..

so, is there any way to stop the phone being blocked, and allow me to use my sim card??

thanks, am3

[MidnightDraven]

The phone is locked to the t-mobile carrier.
To unlock the phone for use with your carrier, you need an unlock code.
If your uncle is still a t-mobile customer, they may provide the unlock code to him for the blackberry.
Otherwise you will need to buy an unlock code from a unlock provider.

[rambo47]

Getting the code for free from the original carrier is always the best option. It's free.

If you have to go to a paid provider of unlock codes, most of the members on this forum will recommend Horizon Wireless
They are a reputable outfit and a forum sponsor. Almost everyone who uses some online discount unlock outfit ends up getting scammed, or gets a bogus code, and has to fight for a refund or a new code. And when that nightmare is done, you're still at square one with a locked BlackBerry. None of that nonsense happens with Horizon.

[am3]

is the above site only for the americas continent, though ?

[rambo47]

Horizon can unlock a BB from any carrier, but in the event they cannot get your code they'll give you a refund. Give them a shout and see what they say. On their site they advertise international service for unlocking.

[djm2]

Also note that you will need to change your data services plan to get access to all of the BlackBerry features.

[am3]

please expand on this... it means nothing to me.. lol
i mean, ok i understand that you need for example internet access to go on the internet...

but what Blackberry features do you mean.. keeping in mind i have never really used one before...

sorry for the ignorance, but thanks...

am3

[Mcancell]

You just need the upgraded data plan

[MidnightDraven]

To use internet and features such as FB app, email push, Blackberry maps, google maps, alot of other applications, Blackberry Messenger; you need a Blackberry data plan.
Call Orange once you have the device unlocked and they should be able to help you.

As a side note, has your unlce upgraded his BB to a new one, or abandoned BB altogether?
If the latter, and he used blackberry features, get him to call t-mobile and ask that the BIS account be deleted.

If he didn't use blackberry features, it shouldn't be a problem.

[dane_c1987]

I had an old Nokia that was locked to Vodafone. All I had to do was walk into my local Vodafone shop and ask them to unlock it (which theyy said would cost £15).

I agreed to this but they couldn't unlock it in store so they gave me my £15 back and the address to send it to. A bit dubious, I sent the phone off in a padded envelope and a piece of paper explaining that I wanted the phone unlocking and how it could not be done in store.

A few days later, I received the phone, fully unlocked and a piece of paper merely saying 'Your mobile phone has been unlocked. Thank you.'

Unlocked phone for free! Brilliant!

So my advice would be to pop into T-Mobile and see what they can do for you - you may not have to pay a penny!

[tsac]

Horizon is quick and helpful if any issues are encountered.