[site.solutions]

Technically, an 8330 is an 8330, right? Both Verizon and Sprint use CDMA networks. But after three or four hours on the phone with Sprint yesterday, I got an explanation that they couldn't activate my Verizon 8330 because Verizon hasn't (won't?) release the ESN or something to that effect.
Is there anything that can be done about this? Could a lawyer or group of lawyers force Verizon to give up the ESN? Is there a technical solution, a crack or code or a way to unlock the phone from the phone itself or using desktop software?

I bought the phone, I am tired of my bill always being higher than I want it to be, and I want to try out the Sprint network to see if it works with my phone, but they tell me that when they put my ESN into their computer, it does not accept it as an ESN that can be activated.

[jsconyers]

Please do a search. This topic's been covered plenty of times. Verizon nor Sprint allow devices other than their own on their network.

There's no way around this.

[pshift]

Cannot be done. The allmighty Big Red "V" knows how to lock down their property, intellectual, or otherwise.

Just wait until your contract expires and dump them if you choose to do so. That would be your only recourse.

[takeshi]

There's no subsidy lock on CDMA devices anyway.

[Motorcycle Mama]

Yeah, you need to just go ahead and sell that phone and get one that is programmed for the intended network.

[Heavy Fluid]

Sprint has a very strict, highly enforced policy that does not allow any non Sprint branded phone onto their network. If the ESN is not in their database, they simply will not activate it. Lawyer or not, that is their policy, and they aren't changing it any time soon I don't think. Verizon is pretty strict also, but I have heard of other phones being activated on their network. Not BlackBerry devices, but dumbphones.

[snowwy66]

that there was a govt law passed not too long ago that allowed any cell phone to be used on any COMPATIBLE network. i could be wrong. but i'm pretty sure that if the phone is free and clear of one network. it can be used on another network. and since you CAN buy the phone outright. without a contract. meaning your buying an unlocked phone. but at a higher price. your phone is locked becuase your in a contract. verizon isn't releasing the esn so sprint can activate it is becuase it's under contract. you need to clear yourself of your contract before verizon will release and sprint can activate.

[jsconyers]

Originally Posted by snowwy66

that there was a govt law passed not too long ago that allowed any cell phone to be used on any COMPATIBLE network. i could be wrong. but i'm pretty sure that if the phone is free and clear of one network. it can be used on another network. and since you CAN buy the phone outright. without a contract. verizon isn't releasing the esn so sprint can activate it is becuase it's under contract. you need to clear yourself of your contract before verizon will release and sprint can activate.

And you are. This is not the case for Verizon and Sprint. There are very few CDMA providers that will allow other carrier's devices on their network. Sprint and Verizon are not on that list.

This has been discussed hundreds of times. Don't believe me, search the forums.

[southwestcomm]

You can get a great deal on a new device with activation. Why deal with the hassel of trying to activate it anyway?

[akosnitzky]

Originally Posted by southwestcomm

You can get a great deal on a new device with activation. Why deal with the hassel of trying to activate it anyway?

The person may not be able to open a new contract. Yet I agree the devices are reasonably priced compared with 8900 and 9500

[southwestcomm]

New device or not if they activate a device with a new number they will be required to sign a congtract...

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

The person may not be able to open a new contract. Yet I agree the devices are reasonably priced compared with 8900 and 9500

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by snowwy66

that there was a govt law passed not too long ago that allowed any cell phone to be used on any COMPATIBLE network. i could be wrong. but i'm pretty sure that if the phone is free and clear of one network. it can be used on another network. and since you CAN buy the phone outright. without a contract. meaning your buying an unlocked phone. but at a higher price. your phone is locked becuase your in a contract. verizon isn't releasing the esn so sprint can activate it is becuase it's under contract. you need to clear yourself of your contract before verizon will release and sprint can activate.

The carrier has the final say on which devices are "compatible" and safe to use on their network - law or not.

[Dawg]

Originally Posted by southwestcomm

New device or not if they activate a device with a new number they will be required to sign a congtract...

No they wont. If you but the phone out right there is no contract. The contract is because they are giving you a discount on the phone. They want to recoup their money.

[southwestcomm]

Nope. A one-year contract is required.

[Dawg]

Originally Posted by southwestcomm

Nope. A one-year contract is required.

I just got my daughter a verizon account and she didnt sign a contract because she bought her phone out right.