How is what that email says possible? There has to be different hardware in the phone to support Stereo Bluetooth. And is that saying that once I download the new OS software that I will be able to unlock the GSM portion of my phone without all the hell from VZW staff? Please simplfy that email posting!!!

Has anyone downloaded the new OS? What did it do? I don't want to have to redo all the settings/addy book/etc. on my phone if it erases everything!!!

Look man, Bluetooth is bluetooth, it's the profiles (programming) that makes the difference between something being supported and not. If you don't get that, that doesn't mean it doesn't work a certain way. Also, the OS install wizard in Application Loader does a complete backup and restore of user data/settings/3rd party programs before the OS loads and then does a restore at the end so the phone is back to the way it was right before you did the OS install, but with updated software.

Honestly man, if you haven't done an OS install before I wouldn't badmouth what you don't understand or seen for yourself.

Whoa. I wasnt bad mouthing anything! I had a concern. Get a grip.

It updates several apps to newer versions, adds a few minor visual aids (like a "lock" symbol on the home screen when the 8830 is locked, etc. etc.)

During install, it will offer to backup ALL data/settings, so no manual backup/restore by you is neccessary.

Anything I can't live without? I don't own a Windows machine -- only PowerPC Macs so I'd prefer to remain with what I have unless I really need to find a way to upgrade the OS.

Well, seeing as you were alive yesterday, I reckon you'll do just fine without the software update

Might want to keep the "!" marks on the down-low then.

Thank you 'ofelas.'

Yea! Sure thing professor! Dude, JRSCCivic98 , get a life!

Has anyone tried to buy the unlocked 8830 from Sprint and then activate on Verizon? Is this possible?

Sprint locks the CDMA radio on all of their phones, so they can't be activated on Verizon's network. Verizon would most likely not allow it anyway.

If we get the unlock code from Verizon for a 8830, what do we do with the code? I haven't seen instructions on what to do with the code number. Also, must a card be in the phone to unlock? Can it be any card?

This is a two step process.

1. First install the updated Device OS software
2. Call Global Tech Support at (800) 711-8300.

Tell them you want to unlock your phone as
per the MR1 update of 07/27/2007 (the rules have changed to state that as long as you are a customer for over 60 days you do NOT need to pay the difference between your promo 8830 price & the full retail price).

They will ask for your IMEI code to verify the above, and will double check your SIM card serial number.
Turn "all connections off" (under Manage Connections).
In the SIM card menu, enter "mepd"
Then enter "mep2" and enter the 8 digit unlock code the Global Tech gives you.
Your VZW 8830 is now unlocked.

A painless, 2 minute process; hope that helped.

What 'Ofelas' just said is 100% true. I foud the information on Crackberry.com last night I just finished getting my unlock code and unlocking the phone about 10 minutes ago. Smoooth as butter. A very simple process. Check Crackberry.com's thread for more info...

Yea... and just so you know you DO have to have the third party SIM inserted in to the phone inorder to unlock it. I Tried it with an ATT card from friend and that didn't work. Then, I tried with out any card and that didn't work either. Gotta have the over seas card.

A lot of people on here take themselves too seriously. Think disaffected computer nerds who finally are in a position of power over those who thumbed their nose at them for so many years and you'll get the right idea.

I loaded the new OS last night. Everything worked fine. I now have 2 new Bluetooth profiles.

While I thought everything was backed up before the installation of the new OS, my BES info was lost. I had to get my phone reactivated by my IT department this morning.

What ofelas posted worked like a charm - i bought my 8830 on eBay, called VZW, got the form, faxed it back, and 10 minutes later my blackberry was unlocked. Fairly simple. Wish it was quad band so i could actually try it out, but they told me that I should keep the unlock code with me when I'm overseas.

They must have changed the firmware on the phone to require this with the latest update. This was not required before, nor was there a requirement to have a SIM in the phone to unlock if your phone was an 8800 series phone. The 8800 and 8830 can unlock SIM natively without a card in them. Verizon must have changed this to make it a little more difficult for people to just unlock the phone... I guess they are forcing them to have over seas cards in there now, which is stupid.

hi im with telus and my 8830 says unknown

Sim unknown
network unknown
network subset unknown
service provider unknown
corporate unknown

so what does that mean?? and how do i get it to tell me what it really is? and if i call telus will they unlock it for me. I payed full price for the 8830

If anyone on here wants to unlock their 8830 and does not have a foreign valid SIM card, simply get one here:

UK SIM Card - Buy Now

It's like $2.95 for shipping, and you will get a real valid sim card with a UK phone number... you just pay per use for calls you make, and if you don't plan on using the number or making any calls, there are no future charges.

Worked like a breeze on my 8830 to unlock it, and the company is legit.