Archived from groups: alt.cellular.verizon (
More info?)
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