Jim

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I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?
 
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Jim <camarowork@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
> to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
> the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?

Yes. The phone must be technologically compatible with Verizon's network
(i.e. it must be a CDMA phone, not a TDMA or GSM phone), and don't expect
any tech support on the phone from Verizon if it isn't a model they sell.

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Yes, as long as the technology on the phone is CDMA. You can even activate
through your account online. My cousin always keeps a few backup phones
available in case they break (and they break ALL the time) and activates
them online. I'm very surprised a company like Verizon Wireless let's the
user do this. I would think that's giving the customer a little control over
their services and we know that can't happen.

"Jim" <camarowork@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:75b83797.0407220606.6c00c588@posting.google.com...
> I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
> to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
> the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?
 
G

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On 22 Jul 2004 07:06:32 -0700, camarowork@hotmail.com (Jim) wrote:

>I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
>to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
>the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?

Yes, I've done it myself.

To be on the safe side, buy a phone that was either activated on
Verizon or is meant for Verizon. There are a number of CDMA phones
that are for other networks (Alltel, Sprint, US Cellular to name a
few) but these may be locked with a subsidy lock and may or may not
work on the Verizon wireless network. (Some also may have a firmware
that's been customized to work on a particular system better than
others)

I bought a Motorola v120e about a year ago on eBay. Phone had a
Veirzon logo on it. The phone was never used except for a single test
(had like 1 minute of total usage!)

Once you get the phone, you can do an ESN (electronic serial number)
swap online or by calling customer service. I'm sure you can also go
to a store and have them do the swap as well. When I did the ESN swap
there was no charge (at least at the time)

Once you do the ESN swap, dial *228 on the phone and press 1 for
activation. The activation will take place and the PRL (preferred
roaming list) for your plan will be downloaded to the phone.

I did the ESN swap online and the phone was activated on the network
in 10 minutes!

Bottom line - yes, you can do it and it works rather well.

Dave
 
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Diamond Dave <dmine45.NOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:

> To be on the safe side, buy a phone that was either activated on
> Verizon or is meant for Verizon. There are a number of CDMA phones
> that are for other networks (Alltel, Sprint, US Cellular to name a
> few) but these may be locked with a subsidy lock and may or may not
> work on the Verizon wireless network. (Some also may have a firmware
> that's been customized to work on a particular system better than
> others)

Alltel's phones are unlocked. Sprint always locks their phones and sells
a lot of phones that are really cool but aren't sold by Verizon - in
particular, expect NO support for a Sanyo SPCS handset, because Verizon
techs have no experience with them; Sanyo has an exclusive US deal with
Sprint. No one else in the US sells their handsets.

--
JustThe.net Internet & New Media Services, http://JustThe.net/
Steven J. Sobol, Geek In Charge / 888.480.4NET (4638) / sjsobol@JustThe.net
PGP Key available from your friendly local key server (0xE3AE35ED)
Apple Valley, California Nothing scares me anymore. I have three kids.
 
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On Fri, 23 Jul 2004 23:38:50 -0500, Steven J Sobol
<sjsobol@JustThe.net> wrote:

>Diamond Dave <dmine45.NOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote:

>Alltel's phones are unlocked. Sprint always locks their phones and sells
>a lot of phones that are really cool but aren't sold by Verizon - in
>particular, expect NO support for a Sanyo SPCS handset, because Verizon
>techs have no experience with them; Sanyo has an exclusive US deal with
>Sprint. No one else in the US sells their handsets.

The exception to this rule may be using a phone that was originally
meant for pre-pay use. These almost always have a subsidy lock on
them, regardless of carrier.

Nice to see that Alltel's phones are unlocked. I knew that SPCS phones
are generally locked.

Dave
 
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On 22 Jul 2004 07:06:32 -0700, camarowork@hotmail.com (Jim) wrote:

>I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
>to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
>the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?

Out of curiosity, what about the KX414 do you not like?
 
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On Thu, 22 Jul 2004 21:42:34 -0400, "Killer Madness"
<killermike@qwerty.com> chose to add this to the great equation of life,
the universe, and everything:

>Yes, as long as the technology on the phone is CDMA. You can even activate
>through your account online. My cousin always keeps a few backup phones
>available in case they break (and they break ALL the time) and activates
>them online. I'm very surprised a company like Verizon Wireless let's the
>user do this. I would think that's giving the customer a little control over
>their services and we know that can't happen.
>
>"Jim" <camarowork@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:75b83797.0407220606.6c00c588@posting.google.com...
>> I have a 2 year contract with VZW. I have a KX414 right now, but want
>> to get a different phone. Is it possible to buy a phone from eBay or
>> the like, and use it on my account in place of the KX414?

Omigawd, a helpful post from Madness. Is it a sign of the apocalypse?

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