Is it possible to switch two active Blackberry's on Cingular's network by simply switching the sims, and changing the IMEI/PIN on the BIS? Or is this a situation I will have to call support for?

Yes, it's very easy as I do exactly that. Here's how I use my two BB's.

Monday thru Thursday I use my 8700c, then on Friday I "change handhelds" to my 7130c.

Here are the steps:
1) Remove the battery and sim from the BB you are currently using. Leave the battery out and set that device aside.
2) Go to the BIS log in site.
3) After logging in there is a choice on the upper left side of the page "change handheld"
4) Click on change handheld and enter the PIN & IMEI for the BB you are going to switch to. A dialog box will appear confirming that the change has been accepted and to register your "new" device.
5) Insert the sim and battery which will auto boot your BB.
6) Upon boot completion go to the icon on the main screen "turn wireless on" and do so.
7) Wait until you see the word edge (lower case) by the signal strength meter turn to EDGE (all caps)
8) Go to your messages folder and look for a message that your device has successfully registered.
9) In 5 to 20 minutes your email will begin arriving and you're all set.

To switch back just do the same thing.
Finally I have found that it's important to leave the battery out of the device you are not using so it does not interefere (even if it's off) with the device you are currently using.

One more Important TIP:

If you have not done so, go to RIM and download Desktop Manager ver. 4.2
I makes it a lot easier to switch between devices when it comes to doing a sync to get your newest info on the device you have switched to.

Cheers...

Archer, thank you. I have actually switched devices before using the method you described. But I think this situation is a little different.

My wife wishes to switch her active Blackberry and use mine which is also active. Since we both have separate BIS accounts I was thinking they would have to release her PIN to allow me to use it on my BIS account. And vice versa.

Cingular does not track (to the best of my knowledge) the owner, it simply tracks the device.

I do know that you must always have a device setup in your BIS account however it does not have to be "yours". I would suggest that you do the switch that she desires. Enter (her) PIN/IMEI in your account. Then enter the same info from (your) BB into her account and everything should work fine.

If not PM me.

I will give it a go tonight. Thanks again.

Just curious, what is meant here: " the device you're switching to needs to be free " ?

Thanks in advance for your explanation.

Cheers....

Let me get this staight -- are you and your wife basically trying to trade Blackberries? If so, it's a bit tricky to do this on your own as the device you're switching to needs to be free. You'd really need a third Blackberry that isn't set up on BIS to do this on your own.

takeshi.....yes, that is what I am wanting to do. Archer....I think he means that I would need a third BlackBerry to attach one of the BIS accounts to so that I could switch them.

I have not had time to attempt this. Seems that I will have an issue and at this time do not have a non-active BlackBerry to help with the process.

Anyone else ever done this? Is it possible without having a third BlackBerry?

I do this all the time with just two BlackBerry's. That's the reason I asked about a non-active Blackberry.

I remove the battery from the one I'm using as well as the other one I'm about to use. Now neither of them is transmitting any signal.

I go into the BIS log in and enter the info for the one I'm going use. Then I install the sim in that one, but the battery in and it auto starts, then I turn on the wireless, and it connects with the network. I get a message back saying the device is registered. and I'm all set to go. then in addition if I want my schedule and updated contacts there. I simply connect a usb cable. Launch the desktop manager and sync.

This is why I do not understand why there would be something standing in your way from doing the same thing. Since what you are doing involves two accounts and two sims. I would remove all batteries and sims. Then log onto her account and put your BB info in. Log into your account and put her BB info in. then insert the sims and batteries and you sould be fine.

I'm not saying that I know everything here, that's why I asked the question, however why not try the way I'm suggesting. It will either work or it won't.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I simply fail to see why this should be so difficult.

Do You? I remain open minded and would enjoy hearing from someone, if indeed there is another way.

Cheers.....

Just had another thought. As long as her BB is registered with the PIN and IMEI in the BIS. Then it would be considered "active" NOT "Free".

However the minute you change the info in her BIS to the PIN and IMEI of your device, that releases hers for you to enter into your BIS. I cannot see where it's any different that what I'm doing.

Furthermore after reading many posts here about people buying used BB's from ebay etc. If they have a problem they are advised by other members here to be sure the PIN was "released".

That scenario would be where the individual stops using the device but does not remove the PIN / IMEI from his/her BIS, even though the device is now inactive as it's not being used until the next owner activates it on their BIS.

Once they do then the new owner of the previously registered device is free to enter the ID info from that BB ie: PIN / IMEI.

Am I right Or wrong? .....anyone, please advise....Thanks

I was able to switch with no issues. The only minor inconvenience was having to re-add our BlackBerry messenger contacts.