I have the 8700c unlocked on tmobile and its has a manufacturer defect per troubleshooting from t-mobile. How do I get a functional device? I know I could do an exchange since the phone is still in warranty... the exchange is were I am sent a 8700c from carrier/RIM and then I send them my defected 8700c

Here is the problem...

I have called RIM and they said I would have to do it with the carrier/phone company. I then called the carrier/phone company and they said I would have to call RIM.

I am tired of the run around. How do I get a functional device? Especially since its unlocked. Who do I contact? Any help is appreciated.

I just went through this on Friday. I got a free 8700c because I downloaded the Blackberry Server Express. Of course it had to be defective. I went through the same thing as you bouncing between RIM and Cingular, for 4 hours! Finally Cingular "should" be sending me a replacement next weekend.

Good luck, you'll need it.

Can I just ask a quick question a little off topic, I downloaded the BB Express for Exchange as well, but the download file appears to be of a strange format. How do I extract the files to install it? It isn't an EXE, ZIP or ISO so I'm stumped.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0) BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I had to rename my BES express download to include the .exe extension. It's a self extracting .zip file.

That is more than a little off topic. Please create a new thread in the BES Admin Corner forum.

T-Mobile won't help you because it is not their device, and RIM doesn't do replacements directly to the end consumer. You need to contact Cingular, but they are probably not wanting to do anything for you because you don't have an account with them. You will have to stay strong, because the device does have a 1 year warranty regardless. If you get too much grief, threaten to call your the state Attorney General.

how did you approach cingular to get a new phone?

It should be covered under cingos exchange by mail program. None of the phones are their device. Samsung. moto, sony & RIM should all be covered.

I called Cingular and got the freaking run around...they told since I did not have an account with them, I could not return the phone...wtf...that i would have to get an account...this does not make any sense...because when i got the phone...they did not tell me...that I would need a cingular account before as a condition of exchanging it...do u guys have any ideas...i am going to have to escalate this issue to cingular upper management if need be...do u guys have any contacts/extentions to help...i would really appreciate it...

Stick to your guns, and fight hard. The phone weather, or not you have a plan or not, is provided from Cingular. Keep calling until you get someone who will forward you to a surpervisor or someone. Another suggestion call the cingular blackberry support line at (800) 304-3044. They're more knowledgeble than the regular CSR's and are more in tune to BB and RIM.