Mobile locked to SIMCARD??

Jimbo333_2

On Saturday I was shopping on the high street for a cheap handset to replace my girlfriends old O2 PAYG phone.

I asked in CarphoneWarehouse what was the cheapest Nokia they had on PAYG.

The girl asked "what network do want sir".
To which I (over-honestly) replied "doesn't matter, she'll be using her existing o2 PAYG simcard".
"Then you need a handset-only deal, not PAYG" she said.
"No I don't, thery are too expensive, I'll be unlocking the PAYG Nokia for free, and throwing the new simcard in the bin" I said (FAR too honest by now I know).

She then told me that all the networks now supply them with PAYG phones that are registered to the simcard that they are supplied with, and can only be used with THAT simcard. So even if I bought a new o2 PAYG deal, I COULDN'T then put my GFs existing o2 simcard in.

Is this just highstreet bull***t, or has anyone had a problem due to this?

All I want is a cheap Nokia 1100 that my gf can put her o2 sim in!

Thanks I Advance All. :xmassmile

James.

Halaku

Its highstreet bull!!!!. Even if they were locked to the headset, you could still unlock them in the same way you would unlock a network locked phone. If it is true, its the first I've heard of it.

redux

There is some truth in the SIM and phone being identified together, but they cannot prevent you using the phone or SIM with others, which the networks will admit if asked. So unlock it as you suggested ...

There's a thread, started by Browntoa, about an offer on the N 1100.

Woby_Tide

just to prevent box breaking, I think as long as you register the sim and phone, then just chuck the new PAYG sim away it's fine

groover_3

Woby_Tide wrote:

just to prevent box breaking, I think as long as you register the sim and phone, then just chuck the new PAYG sim away it's fine

:snow_laug 12 months of box breaking is paying for all the xmas gifts this year :rudolf:

Jimbo333_2

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

But what is "box breaking" Woby?

Woby_Tide wrote:

just to prevent box breaking, I think as long as you register the sim and phone, then just chuck the new PAYG sim away it's fine

Millionaire_Wannabe

i've heard of this when i was looking for a new phone without getting a sim.
they reccomended that if the phone didn't work with my phone, call up the network ask to have your account changed to the new sim (provided you buy an o2 pay as you go phone) (just remember to copy your address book first!)

groover_3

Jimbo333 wrote:

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

But what is "box breaking" Woby?

Box breaking for beginners

Hunt the forum for excellent PAYGO deals.
Buy a phone and sim package.
Unlock the phone. Maybe even flash it with software to make it unbranded.
Destroy the sim. If it is still sealed in package keep and resell.
Sell the phone on ebay / in your shop / on your market stall :snow_laug

random456

the carphone warehouse told you that???? jeez, almost as bad as the twaddle the b/f had to endure in comet the other day 'i am the manager, we never ever give refunds..) i always tell the salesannoyance i am going to unlock the phone, lets face it if the same phone is on both o2 and virgin but the o2 one is 10 20 quid less im gonna buy the o2 an unlock it!