Porting a BB from Alltel to Verizon.
 

Ok, I have a silver Alltel 8130 here from my old Alltel plan before I switched to Verizon after the merger. I'm trying to find out how to get this phone set up so it can be used on a Verizon plan.

I did a ton of google searches and I'm seeing things about unlock keys / ESN, flashing the phone, etc. I also took note of the many people that have success stories about using their 8130s on Verzion...on a real Verizon contract, not a grandfathered Alltel contract. I read numerous articles about Verizon's "Open Network Policy", and how both Alltel and Verizon are CDMA, and how there *should* be nothing in the way of using this phone on Verizon's network since it's all compatible.

So what exactly do I need to do to use this Alltel 8130 on a Verizon contract? Reason for wanting to know is because I'd like to sell the phone + extras, but it will be hard unless I can assure the buyer "Yes, it can be used on Verizon, here's how..."

Verizon will not activate a device with an Alltel ESN on a Verizon plan.

If you still had an Alltel plan on the account, then you could do it.

So this thing is pretty much useless except to thoes who have a grandfathered contract, or are in an area where Alltel still exists? I think these could be used on Metro and Cricket, but not entirely sure on that one.

I ran into the same problem. Once the phone is turned off on the Alltel account it cannon be reactivated on Verizon.

With Verizon's open network policy, and the merger fine-print on the alltel website...which is still there...it's been said numerous times by both companies that this is possible, yet Verizon isn't allowing it. I can't say I'm surprised, honestly...years ago I switched from Verizon to Alltel due to all the problems and BS, then got forced back to Verizon. Funny how that worked out. :-(

Open network. Verizon. Right.