Noob questions about 8330 and roaming
 

I have an 8330 through Virgin Mobile Canada. I would like to know if I can unlock, so I can use a local carrier when traveling in the US. I have read a dozen threads, several of which give opposing information, so I am hoping for some clarity.

My understanding is that this is a CDMA phone. I though this meant there was no SIM card, but when I open the phone and remove the battery, there is a slot for a small card which pops up and resembles a micro-SIM used in some GSM phones. When I phoned Virgin, they told me they do not unlock their phones, neither for a fee or otherwise. They were unable to clarify whether this meant they can not, or will not. The CSR rep I spoke with was unhelpful. He was unaware of the existence of microSIM cards, or GSM networks.

Is this a SIM card, or a memory card?

Can this phone be unlocked?

If the phone is unlocked, will it continue to function on my current carrier, Virgin Mobile?

If unlocked, how do I go about getting service from a US network?


In other threads, I have seen answers of yes and no to each of these questions, what is the truth?

Thanks kindly in advance.

The 8330 is a CDMA only device.
CDMA devices cannot be unlocked.

You are seeing a MicroSD memory card slot.

I have heard from a few people that the boost 8330 cdma cannot be used on another network. Then I've heard others say that they can be used on another network. I have no idea.
Aynone who is firmly confident of this answer either way care to post??
Thanks much!

Most CDMA carriers will not activate a device that isn't their own.
i.e. Sprint will not activate a Verizon device, and Verizon won't activate a Sprint device.
Despite them selling the same model, and both using the same technology.