Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

I bought a phone on eBay that was advertised as a Cingular phone. The
phone itself is even Cingular branded (internally and externally), but
when I install my Cingular SIM chip, it asks for a "Subsidy Code".
 
Cingular will not give me one, and I'm afraid I am out $180 for this
phone I can't use.
 
Would anyone recommend anyone that can remotely unlock a cell phone? I
have seen websites online but I don't know who I can trust. I will
gladly pay to get this phone unlocked.
 
Please contact me.
 
Thanks.
John Wright from Kentucky
 
 
--  
jdwright
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"jdwright" <jdwright.1mq84z@nospam.cellphoneforums.net> wrote in message  
news:jdwright.1mq84z@nospam.cellphoneforums.net...
>
> I bought a phone on eBay that was advertised as a Cingular phone. The
> phone itself is even Cingular branded (internally and externally), but
> when I install my Cingular SIM chip, it asks for a "Subsidy Code".
>
> Cingular will not give me one, and I'm afraid I am out $180 for this
> phone I can't use.
>
> Would anyone recommend anyone that can remotely unlock a cell phone? I
> have seen websites online but I don't know who I can trust. I will
> gladly pay to get this phone unlocked.
>
 
E bay does have some buyer protections, contact the buyer,
ask him to correct the situation of refund, then contact e-bay and
start the process
 
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/usin [...] nsole.html
 
Good luck
 
Bernard

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

I don't think I will contact eBay. I am still in contact with the seller
and he has been very helpful. It's Cingular I'm upset with because they
think that my V551 isn't a Cingular phone when I know good and well
that it is.
 
But thanks for your suggestion.
 
 
--  
jdwright
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> I bought a phone on eBay that was advertised as a Cingular phone. The
> phone itself is even Cingular branded (internally and externally), but
> when I install my Cingular SIM chip, it asks for a "Subsidy Code".
>  
> Cingular will not give me one, and I'm afraid I am out $180 for this
> phone I can't use.
>  
> Would anyone recommend anyone that can remotely unlock a cell phone? I
> have seen websites online but I don't know who I can trust. I will
> gladly pay to get this phone unlocked.
>  
> Please contact me.
>  
> Thanks.
> John Wright from Kentucky
 
Before you get too upset, there may be a rational explanation.
 
Cingular, of course being formed by mergers of GSM carriers and TDMA  
carriers migrating to GSM, has several "carrier codes".  For example,  
the two MAIN ones that Cingular has, I believe are 310-380 and 310-410.  
  310 indicates the carrier is inside the United States, and 380/410  
represent a carrier number. These are MCC-MNC, where MCC stands for
 
 
Now, correct me if I'm wrong, this carrier number is an integral part of  
the SIM card (as it will look for that network first).  It is more than  
likely that Cingular uses this for verification of the carrier.  310-380  
represents the network from AT&T Wireless, and 310-410 represents  
Cingular legacy network (southeast, including Florida).  However,  
Cingular operates regions basically autonomously, and some regions may  
not be on the same network.
 
It is reported that Cingular uses the following codes:
 
310-380 (AT&T Wireless network)
310-410 (Cingular network, southeast)
310-370 (Cingular network, California/Nevada)
310-150 (Cingular network, ???)
 
Rumor has it that Cingular is going to retire 310-380, 310-370, and  
310-150 for and migrate those systems to 310-410.
 
However, wireless phones are not smart enough to know that Cingular owns  
all of those networks, and SIM cards provisioned on that particular  
network code could be used with phones that were also provisioned/locked  
on that network code.
 
 
 
 
 
So...most likely could be happening is that your SIM is provisioned on  
one of the other MNC's (network codes) and the V551 is locked to the  
310-410 network.  Since your SIM would not day 310-410, the phone would  
reject it.
 
How long have you had Cingular service, and in which area of the US do  
you reside (where was your SIM issued and when?)

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

Will one of those codes unlock the phone? If so, I was told that only an
eight-digit code would work.
 
I live in Kentucky, so I imagine I would be in the Southeast. My SIM
was issued to me in Kentucky as well, about two years ago or so.
 
 
--  
jdwright
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I've had several people refer me to Marcus Cellular in Oakland, CA. I'm
contacting them to see if they can unlock my Moto.
 
Check them out. They might be able to help you.
http://www.cellularpager.com.
 
 
--  
jdwright
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Whenever I've unlocked Motorola's (V180's and V220's) i have used a
cable and software.  Most phones will let you enter the unlock codes
with the keypad...but you only et about 5 tries before your only
allowable method is to use the cable.  I have yet to find the software
i need to unlock the V551's...but i'm still lookin.  the other moto's
unlock fine
 
But what it seems is the case with your phone is that it truly is a
cinular GSM phone...just from another part of the US, which is why its
not accepting your cingular sim card...because it was meant for a
different US Market (IE- made for Baltimore/Washinton market, but you
are trying to put in a California sim card).  Post on here again if the
guy in Cali doesn't get it straightened out for ya.  Once you get the
phone unlocked...you will be quite pleased with it, so its worth
unlocking.
 
 
--  
scott14661
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it doesnt matter where you buy the phone, any cingular sim should work just
fine in a cingular phone..
 
"Tropical Haven" <user@example.net> wrote in message
news:424B6BDE.7070708@example.net...
> > I bought a phone on eBay that was advertised as a Cingular phone. The
> > phone itself is even Cingular branded (internally and externally), but
> > when I install my Cingular SIM chip, it asks for a "Subsidy Code".
> >
> > Cingular will not give me one, and I'm afraid I am out $180 for this
> > phone I can't use.
> >
> > Would anyone recommend anyone that can remotely unlock a cell phone? I
> > have seen websites online but I don't know who I can trust. I will
> > gladly pay to get this phone unlocked.
> >
> > Please contact me.
> >
> > Thanks.
> > John Wright from Kentucky
>
> Before you get too upset, there may be a rational explanation.
>
> Cingular, of course being formed by mergers of GSM carriers and TDMA
> carriers migrating to GSM, has several "carrier codes".  For example,
> the two MAIN ones that Cingular has, I believe are 310-380 and 310-410.
>   310 indicates the carrier is inside the United States, and 380/410
> represent a carrier number. These are MCC-MNC, where MCC stands for
>
>
> Now, correct me if I'm wrong, this carrier number is an integral part of
> the SIM card (as it will look for that network first).  It is more than
> likely that Cingular uses this for verification of the carrier.  310-380
> represents the network from AT&T Wireless, and 310-410 represents
> Cingular legacy network (southeast, including Florida).  However,
> Cingular operates regions basically autonomously, and some regions may
> not be on the same network.
>
> It is reported that Cingular uses the following codes:
>
> 310-380 (AT&T Wireless network)
> 310-410 (Cingular network, southeast)
> 310-370 (Cingular network, California/Nevada)
> 310-150 (Cingular network, ???)
>
> Rumor has it that Cingular is going to retire 310-380, 310-370, and
> 310-150 for and migrate those systems to 310-410.
>
> However, wireless phones are not smart enough to know that Cingular owns
> all of those networks, and SIM cards provisioned on that particular
> network code could be used with phones that were also provisioned/locked
> on that network code.
>
>
>
>
>
> So...most likely could be happening is that your SIM is provisioned on
> one of the other MNC's (network codes) and the V551 is locked to the
> 310-410 network.  Since your SIM would not day 310-410, the phone would
> reject it.
>
> How long have you had Cingular service, and in which area of the US do
> you reside (where was your SIM issued and when?)
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

"jdwright" <jdwright.1mqa80@nospam.cellphoneforums.net> wrote in message
news:jdwright.1mqa80@nospam.cellphoneforums.net...
>
> I don't think I will contact eBay. I am still in contact with the seller
> and he has been very helpful. It's Cingular I'm upset with because they
> think that my V551 isn't a Cingular phone when I know good and well
> that it is.
>
> But thanks for your suggestion.
>
>
> --  
> jdwright
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Cell Phone Forums: http://cellphoneforums.net
> View this thread: http://cellphoneforums.net/t171216.html
>
 
its not cingulars fault, you didnt get the phone from them.. dont enter
codes you only get 5 times or so and it will say contact provider..
if you enter too many codes, the only way to unlock it is with a clip.
you can check ebay for people selling codes. read their feedback before you
buy, it will tell alot.
stay away from those 2.99 programs that unlocks every motorola phone, they
dont work on new ones.
it might be an over seas phone flashed with cingular software. perhaps that
is why the guy is selling it.
did he say it was unlocked or just a cingular phone?

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

It SHOULD, but I have heard of some Cingular customers with PacBell SIMs  
having problems with SOME but NOT ALL Cingular branded phones.  The fix  
was to unlock the phone.
 
Aaron wrote:
> it doesnt matter where you buy the phone, any cingular sim should work just
> fine in a cingular phone..
>  
> "Tropical Haven" <user@example.net> wrote in message
> news:424B6BDE.7070708@example.net...
>  
>>>I bought a phone on eBay that was advertised as a Cingular phone. The
>>>phone itself is even Cingular branded (internally and externally), but
>>>when I install my Cingular SIM chip, it asks for a "Subsidy Code".
>>>
>>>Cingular will not give me one, and I'm afraid I am out $180 for this
>>>phone I can't use.
>>>
>>>Would anyone recommend anyone that can remotely unlock a cell phone? I
>>>have seen websites online but I don't know who I can trust. I will
>>>gladly pay to get this phone unlocked.
>>>
>>>Please contact me.
>>>
>>>Thanks.
>>>John Wright from Kentucky
>>
>>Before you get too upset, there may be a rational explanation.
>>
>>Cingular, of course being formed by mergers of GSM carriers and TDMA
>>carriers migrating to GSM, has several "carrier codes".  For example,
>>the two MAIN ones that Cingular has, I believe are 310-380 and 310-410.
>>  310 indicates the carrier is inside the United States, and 380/410
>>represent a carrier number. These are MCC-MNC, where MCC stands for
>>
>>
>>Now, correct me if I'm wrong, this carrier number is an integral part of
>>the SIM card (as it will look for that network first).  It is more than
>>likely that Cingular uses this for verification of the carrier.  310-380
>>represents the network from AT&T Wireless, and 310-410 represents
>>Cingular legacy network (southeast, including Florida).  However,
>>Cingular operates regions basically autonomously, and some regions may
>>not be on the same network.
>>
>>It is reported that Cingular uses the following codes:
>>
>>310-380 (AT&T Wireless network)
>>310-410 (Cingular network, southeast)
>>310-370 (Cingular network, California/Nevada)
>>310-150 (Cingular network, ???)
>>
>>Rumor has it that Cingular is going to retire 310-380, 310-370, and
>>310-150 for and migrate those systems to 310-410.
>>
>>However, wireless phones are not smart enough to know that Cingular owns
>>all of those networks, and SIM cards provisioned on that particular
>>network code could be used with phones that were also provisioned/locked
>>on that network code.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>So...most likely could be happening is that your SIM is provisioned on
>>one of the other MNC's (network codes) and the V551 is locked to the
>>310-410 network.  Since your SIM would not day 310-410, the phone would
>>reject it.
>>
>>How long have you had Cingular service, and in which area of the US do
>>you reside (where was your SIM issued and when?)
>>
>>
>  
>  
>

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

No, the guy on eBay said that it was a Cingular phone. It came in a
Cingular box with all of the labels on the box and on the phone (under
the battery).
 
I know it's a Cingular phone... that has been verified by Cingular. But
Cingular will not provide me with the subsidy code. Like I said in a
post above, I sent the phone to Marcus Cellular in Oakland CA for clip
unlocking. They charge $20, but it cost nearly $35 to ship it UPS
Overnight to Oakland and back to me when he's done.
 
I will post as soon as I hear from them as to whether unlocking worked
or not.
 
 
--  
jdwright
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Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

Okay. It's been about a week, so I thought I would post and let everyone
know what's going on with my V551. I sent the phone to Marcus Cellular
via UPS 2nd Day Air. They got it on Monday, 4/4.
 
That same day when I got home from work, I had a message from Cingular
on my machine telling me that they had approved my request for the
subsidy code. I called customer service and they gave me the code over
the phone.
 
I then called Marcus Cellular and told them what happened. The guy I
spoke with (Will) said he was busy and hadn't been able to unlock the
phone yet. He also said that he would try the code they gave me, and if
it unlocks it, he'll send the phone back to me and refund the $20
unlocking fee.
 
Sure enough, the code worked, and he sent the phone back PLUS my $20.
 
If you contact Cingular for the subsidy code for your phone, and they
say it'll take 3-5 days for them to get back to you on it, give them
atleast 7 business days. By then you'll definately know whether you're
going to get the code or not. In my case, I got the code and it works
great.
 
If you need help with unlocking a phone, try Marcus Cellular in
Oakland. Their URL is http://www.marcuscellular.com. Tell them that
John Wright from Kentucky sent you.
 
 
--  
jdwright
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Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

> Rumor has it that Cingular is going to retire 310-380, 310-370, and
> 310-150 for and migrate those systems to 310-410.
 
What about the formerly-SunCom network in Virginia (310-490)? Will
Cingular be cutting those towers and users to 310-410, and on what time
frame? SunCom in the Carolinas will continue to use 310-490, so there
must be some transition plan.
 
What sources do you have for your rumor?
 
thanks,
tg.

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

>>Rumor has it that Cingular is going to retire 310-380, 310-370, and
>>310-150 for and migrate those systems to 310-410.
>  
> What about the formerly-SunCom network in Virginia (310-490)? Will
> Cingular be cutting those towers and users to 310-410, and on what time
> frame? SunCom in the Carolinas will continue to use 310-490, so there
> must be some transition plan.
 
IMO, I would think that this would also be transitioned to 310-410.  In  
reality, that network is no longer part of SunCom, and therefore it  
would make sense for Cingular to assign it as native network as it is  
integrated.
 
> What sources do you have for your rumor?
 
Like I say, it is RUMOR.  I have no documentation.  I have heard from a  
former Cingular employee that Cingular is working hard to "unify" the  
network, some of which is legacy from the companies that were brought  
together to form Cingular, or were acquired later.
 
Here are some websites I ran into:
http://www.howardforums.com/archiv [...] 681-1.html
 
In my own speculation, I think it would make more sense for roaming  
agreements with international carriers who could just use "310-410"  
instead of the conglamerate that's currently in place (although the  
inverse would be true of AWS raoming affiliates).  But it would make  
sense, especially if all 310-380 becomes 310-410, otherwise 310-380  
would have to be divied up between the current Cingular systems in  
place, for the network would not be as seamless as its potential if  
Cingular uses 310-410 AND one of the older legacy networks in the same  
area (which is a moot point in CA/NV since the infrastructure and some  
spectrum will be sold to T-Mo.)
 
> thanks,
> tg.
 
Any other ideas on this?  I would love to hear them.
 
TH

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

> IMO, I would think that this would also be transitioned to 310-410.
In
> reality, that network is no longer part of SunCom, and therefore it
> would make sense for Cingular to assign it as native network as it is
 
> integrated.
 
That's pretty much what I figured, but the target network is a
question. The GSM-850 network in DC is 310-410, so that would be the
easiest path.
 
> In my own speculation, I think it would make more sense for roaming
> agreements with international carriers who could just use "310-410"
 
I'm on the 310-150 network, and that's the one recognized in the oldest
roaming agreements. I suppose -410 is old enough now that there's no
issue about it being recognized by foreign carriers. IIRC AT&T had more
extensive roaming agreements, so there's a big incentive to move
everything to -380.
 
> But it would make sense, especially if all 310-380 becomes 310-410,
> otherwise 310-380 would have to be divied up
 
I suspect it's going to be a question of which existing network has the
largest number of handsets and towers (mostly handsets). Changing tower
IDs isn't too bad since Cingular knows where they are. Sending an
update to every SIM/handset is going to be fun, especially for the
"emergency" phones that rarely see a signal. Even then there will be a
lot of misses, causing many calls to customer disservice.
 
My wife and I have our phones on every day with reboots every day or
two (both phones are Cingular-provisioned, not third party) and
Cingular still can't keep us current on SIM updates :-(
 
tg.

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

Who do you contact at Cingular to get the unlock code?  I have the same  
phone and would like to get the code.
 
jdwright wrote:
> Okay. It's been about a week, so I thought I would post and let everyone
> know what's going on with my V551. I sent the phone to Marcus Cellular
> via UPS 2nd Day Air. They got it on Monday, 4/4.
>  
> That same day when I got home from work, I had a message from Cingular
> on my machine telling me that they had approved my request for the
> subsidy code. I called customer service and they gave me the code over
> the phone.
>  
> I then called Marcus Cellular and told them what happened. The guy I
> spoke with (Will) said he was busy and hadn't been able to unlock the
> phone yet. He also said that he would try the code they gave me, and if
> it unlocks it, he'll send the phone back to me and refund the $20
> unlocking fee.
>  
> Sure enough, the code worked, and he sent the phone back PLUS my $20.
>  
> If you contact Cingular for the subsidy code for your phone, and they
> say it'll take 3-5 days for them to get back to you on it, give them
> atleast 7 business days. By then you'll definately know whether you're
> going to get the code or not. In my case, I got the code and it works
> great.
>  
> If you need help with unlocking a phone, try Marcus Cellular in
> Oakland. Their URL is http://www.marcuscellular.com. Tell them that
> John Wright from Kentucky sent you.
>  
>

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 19:39:26 -0700, No Spam <JOHNSMITH@EXAMPLE.NET>
wrote:
 
>Who do you contact at Cingular to get the unlock code?  I have the same  
>phone and would like to get the code.
>
 
 
I called 611/CS and requested it. Got it 5 days later. They called me
first and then emailed it to me.
 
 
 
 
>jdwright wrote:
>> Okay. It's been about a week, so I thought I would post and let everyone
>> know what's going on with my V551. I sent the phone to Marcus Cellular
>> via UPS 2nd Day Air. They got it on Monday, 4/4.
>>  
>> That same day when I got home from work, I had a message from Cingular
>> on my machine telling me that they had approved my request for the
>> subsidy code. I called customer service and they gave me the code over
>> the phone.
>>  
>> I then called Marcus Cellular and told them what happened. The guy I
>> spoke with (Will) said he was busy and hadn't been able to unlock the
>> phone yet. He also said that he would try the code they gave me, and if
>> it unlocks it, he'll send the phone back to me and refund the $20
>> unlocking fee.
>>  
>> Sure enough, the code worked, and he sent the phone back PLUS my $20.
>>  
>> If you contact Cingular for the subsidy code for your phone, and they
>> say it'll take 3-5 days for them to get back to you on it, give them
>> atleast 7 business days. By then you'll definately know whether you're
>> going to get the code or not. In my case, I got the code and it works
>> great.
>>  
>> If you need help with unlocking a phone, try Marcus Cellular in
>> Oakland. Their URL is http://www.marcuscellular.com. Tell them that
>> John Wright from Kentucky sent you.
>>  
>>