[DrTacoElf]

Hi I just bought a 7230 from a friend who had tmobile. He got these instructions from tmobile to unlock it via IMEI number (which is verified to match the device).

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Blackberry device.

NOTE: If you receive an error message while performing the instructions below, stop. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. Verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and submit a new request.

Warning! The Wireless Mode MUST BE OFF before performing the given SIM Unlock instructions in order to avoid causing the device from becoming defective.

How to turn Wireless Mode Off:
1. Scroll to the Airplane Icon (Turn Wireless Off.)
2. Press Select.
3. Wireless Mode will turn off.

How to SIM Unlock the device:
1. Go to the "Options" screen
2. Select the "SIM Card" option
3. Type MEPD
4. To select "Network" type MEP2 (ALT + E is the key that gives 2 when shifted)
5. Release the ALT key, it should then ask for the code
6. Enter the unlock code

These instructions work through number 3 (Type MEPD). After number 3 What i see displayed is

ID (my sim card number)
Personalization:
SIM - disabled
Network - inactive
Network Subset - disabled
Service Provider - disabled
Corporate -disabled

However typing MEP2 does NOTHING at this point so I am not able to enter an unlock code which I have. I can't use this phone on cingular. Anyone know what is going on? Is this phone already unlocked!? How do you tell if it is or is not.

Thanks!

[xyrcncp]

Try entering MEPP2 instead of MEP2, it worked when I unlocked my 7100t, it's worth a shot.

[DrTacoElf]

Thanks, but I already tried that. I think i might have figured out why. It was running a hacked cingular 4.0 OS. I'm upgrading to the newest tmobile release and will retry.

[ScOObydoo]

Since the 7230 doesn't do GSM850 it won't be much good on Cingular anyway...

[DrTacoElf]

Originally Posted by ScOObydoo

Since the 7230 doesn't do GSM850 it won't be much good on Cingular anyway...

Can you please elaborate...

[finch]

7230 is Tri-Band 900/1800/1900 no 850 band.

Originally Posted by DrTacoElf

Can you please elaborate...

[dyzs]

The 7230 is already unlocked...(network - inactive)

[NJBlackBerry]

A hacked OS? Really (NOT).

[Scotty_T]

Originally Posted by DrTacoElf

Can you please elaborate...

Tmobile uses 1900Mhz band for GSM coverage in US.
Cingular uses both 850Mhz and 1900Mhz for GSM coverage.

You will be severely hampered in the coverage you receive with Cingular if you use a device that does not have the 850Mhz GSM band, such as the 7230.

Some areas of the country are still OK on 1900MHz devices, but I wouldn't recommend it. You could lose coverage down the road.

[crackberry666]

is every unlock code unique?

[NJBlackBerry]

Yes.