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tj3 · 03-23-2009, 08:53 AM

I need a new one but can't afford to buy a new one. I have my old ancient one but I am not sure if I can use the desk manager to download the curve data back into the old one. I also have been looking online for a used 8330 but I am not sure if it has to be bell or if I can buy unlocked and it would be safe. Can anyone advise?

jsconyers · 03-23-2009, 08:57 AM

Welcome to the forums.

Have you reported to Bell that the device was stolen? If you have a backup of your data from the 8330, you should be able to restore it to your previous device without issue. As for unlocking, I don't think it's possible. I know that's how the major CDMA providers in the States work (Verizon and Sprint). I just did a quick Google search, and all I've seen so far is that it's not possible.

tj3 · 03-23-2009, 09:04 AM

Yes, I did report it stolen. I am in Canada on Bell Mobility. I thought maybe if I bought someones phones who was also on Bell but had upgraded to the storm or something I caould use their old curve. many people on craigslist advertise that the phone is unlocked. I know Bell chanrges $15 to transferr the line but I didn't want to buy something and then have them refuse. If they won't do it why are so many sold as unlocked?

jsconyers · 03-23-2009, 09:09 AM

I think you're confused as to what unlocked means. When you unlock a phone, it means you can use the phone on another carrier. For example, use an AT&T phone on Rogers' network.

If it's a Bell device, then you shouldn't have any issues using it.

Dubdub · 03-23-2009, 09:10 AM

An unlocked GSM device can be used with any GSM carrier. They don't seem to care. However that isn't always the case with CDMA devices. Unlocking a CDMA phone, other than an 8830 or 9530 does little for you, if it can even be done. I know for a fact that Verizon and Sprint do not allow any other device on their networks, it has to be their branded device and the ESN must be in their database. I think Bell has the same policy but not sure. Perhaps another Bell user can verify this one way or the other.

tj3 · 03-23-2009, 09:21 AM

Sorry I don't know what you mean by CDMA device. I know buying unlocked means I could take it to another carrier as long as they sold the same brand but since I don't know anyone that has done it I didn't want to spend the $200-300 and then find out that Bell won't allow it. I have emailed them but they won't commit to an answer since they obviously want me to buy from them. My phone was only 6 months old so I don't want to pay Bell $600 for a new one.

jsconyers · 03-23-2009, 09:25 AM

CDMA is the technology that Bell uses. Rogers uses GSM. They are not compatible. You cannot use a GSM phone on a CDMA network, or vice versa.

tj3 · 03-23-2009, 09:52 AM

ok thanks so as long as it was once locked to bell I should be okay with a used one

jsconyers · 03-23-2009, 09:54 AM

Yes, if it's a Bell branded device, you should be able to use it.

Follow these steps when buying a used device.
Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ

takeshi · 03-23-2009, 10:02 AM

Subsidy locks don't apply to the 8330. The hybrid CDMA/GSM devices (8830, 9530) have subsidy locks for the GSM portion of the device.

OriginalLucy · 03-23-2009, 10:17 AM

In Canada, you can only use a Bell device with Bell, Telus with Telus, etc.. If the phone is a GSM phone like Rogers and Fido uses, THEN you can use it only on GSM networks. Therefore BELL can only use BELL phones and what they do is just transfer the IMEI number to your account... Hope that helps.

jsconyers · 03-23-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalLucy

In Canada, you can only use a Bell device with Bell, Telus with Telus, etc.. If the phone is a GSM phone like Rogers and Fido uses, THEN you can use it only on GSM networks. Therefore BELL can only use BELL phones and what they do is just transfer the IMEI number to your account... Hope that helps.

Thanks for clarifying. This is how I imagined it worked.

paranoidmother21 · 03-23-2009, 07:41 PM

I just had a similar issue 2 weeks ago.

What I found worked best was to find a phone on Craigslist I thought would work, ask for the ESN number from the seller, and then call and see if my carrier could use that phone. They were very upfront - 2 of the numbers I called on would work, 1 wouldn't, so I now have a perfectly fine 8330 to replace the missing 8330. Just to be on the safe side, we met at a local carrier store so that they could check out the phone before I handed over the money.

It's a lot quicker to call ahead to your carrier rather than to purchase/say "oops" /resell.

Rebecca

sk8blackberry · 03-24-2009, 11:46 AM

i had a phone...i washed it.....i got a blackberry.....i alose got 5 buck insurance from at&t for my blackberry. and for 5 dollars a month i have it coverd from theft and stuff like that. (yes, its also covered from getting washed).
i am sorry to hear that your bb was stolen. that would kill me.

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My 8330 curve was stolen!