PAYG mobile phone query

[Kinky]

A question to everyone at the bar (and I'll have a Guiness whilst you're there thank you) .......

Does anyone know if Pay As You Go mobile phones are locked?

I'm after a particular mobile [Nokia 6610i]- which seems a great deal on PAYG contracts - but it's only the phone I want (I have an Orange business contract).

So I'm wondering - if I went to Tescos (for example) and purchased one of their PAYG phones (which is on O2) if it would simply work with my contracted Orange sim card?

Many thanks in advance,

K

[pdV6]

99.9% certain it will be locked.

However, there are a million and one places you can get them unlocked...

[Kinky]

Yeah - I could get it unlocked - but I suspect if I had to send the phone back for whatever reason - they may not fix/replace it, as it's been 'tampered with'.

I suppose that if it they are all 99.9% locked, then the only option might be to go via ebay and get one cheaper (but no comeback if it breaks for whatever reason).

[pug406]

Some phones are locked to a service. However, you can get them unlocked at your local market for a few quid. If you search the net you can download DCT unlockers for most Nokia phones. If you get stuck finding one, email me and I will send you one so you can unlock your phone via the IMIE number

Dave

[pdV6]

Actually, thinking about it, wouldn't it be cheaper to upgrade via Orange on contract than to buy a PAYG phone?

Saying that, how much are Tescos doing the 6610i for? Orange will do you one for £100 on PAYG...

{edited to add:} Answering my own question, Tesco have them for £100. So, one simple answer is to buy one from Orange and not to bother unlocking it; just transfer your SIM across.

>> Edited by pdV6 on Wednesday 5th January 12:10

[Kinky]

unfortunately it's a company phone - and we can't upgrade them.

I would prefer an unlocked phone as opposed to an Orange upgrade - reason being that I'm technically moving employer in the next few months, so don't want to be stuck with an Orange phone which may not be of any use to me at that time - hence the requirement for an unlocked one.

I'll see if ebay offers any cheapies.

But thanks all for your help and responses.

[grahamdance]

Why not go to Carphone Warehouse or similar shop and buy a handset? It will be unlocked as standard...

[Kinky]

Just buying a handset on it's own would be £250+

I'll phone Orange and see if I can haggle anything out of them (corporate customer and all that).

[edc]

If it's a Nokia then there are lots of links with free software to unlock them. Used successfully by me before

[Kinky]

Well I phoned our dedicated Orange line and after some discussion the best they could offer was a Nokia 6820 for £124.

Tempted .... need to do some research on it tonight !!!!

Thanks again everyone.

[phatgixer]

Just ask Carphone warehouse or your nearest friendly wholesaler (wink wink!) for a SIM free handset and avoid all the crooked malarkey. They will cost virtually the same without the dodginess...

[anniesdad]

PG,

Decided vivisection wasn't morally or politically correct then eh?

[phatgixer]

Decided to msk my real occupation as I am embarrassed, so I found something to more respectable (like animal experimentation) to hide the guilt of being in mobile phones.

Ahem, apologies for being a lowlife.

[edc]

Used this on 3 phones so far www.btinternet.com/~unlocksmith/guide4.html

[anniesdad]

phatgixer said:

Decided to msk my real occupation as I am embarrassed, so I found something to more respectable (like animal experimentation) to hide the guilt of being in mobile phones. Ahem, apologies for being a lowlife.

Apology accepted....