This is probably a somewhat dumb question, but has anyone taken like a Sprint or Verizon 8703 and put it on a different carrier, for example Alltel? And also would it be able to have just the OS and software flashed with say the Alltel software?

Or are there many differences between the phones software for each carrier?

Only reason i ask is im eyeing up a few Verizon 8703e BB's and wanted to know if it would work before buying one and kicking myself since i'm with Alltel...

Most CDMA carriers do NOT allow you to put foreign devices (meaning - not sold by them) onto their network. Is that true 100% of the time - I don't know - but there are a lot of threads on here about not porting CDMA devices.

I do know most Verizon phone's work on Alltel's network...its just a lot of the features won't work, but thats why i asked about reflashing the phone with different software...

Alltel has an 8703e.

i know, but i don't feel like spending the 520 bucks to buy it outright since i'm still under contract, and none were listed on ebay last time i checked...

I found an Alltel 8703 on eBay:
eBay: Blackberry 8703e - ALLTEL - LIKE NEW (item 190101409978 end time Apr-16-07 00:04:18 PDT)
It has been my past experience that Alltel will not allow a Verizon device on their service

ack go figure, you find the only one listed lol...anyways, how do you like your 8703?

I had the 7250 before, and the 8703 is fantastic.
I might get an 8800 when they come out, but it will probably be a year or so for Alltel.

that is the truth with alltel...maybe i'll hold out till the 8800...but then again im looking forward to the Linux Treo aswell... maybe i'll just replace my 7250 with a warranty replacement and get the 7130e...it does suck that Alltel is so slow at getting the phones...but yet smart in there part...since they atleast get most of the bugs worked out...so i guess it has its bonus'...

btw i added you to google talk...hope thats alright