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Question

Changing phone service provider

Feb 17, 2016 12:43AM PST

If I want to change to another mobile service provider and keep my number, does my PAYG phone have to be unlocked from the existing provider to allow the changeover?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: unlock
Feb 17, 2016 1:48AM PST

If it is locked, the answer probably is yes. But the service desk of the new provider can do that.

And remember that unlocking doesn't mean you don't have to pay them any more. If you have a 2-year contract, that's not yet finished, you keep paying until the end of the contract, even if you use another provider.

Kees

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Answer
And unlocking can be troublesome
Feb 17, 2016 6:52AM PST

You left out details in your post. Some phones are NEVER unlocked. CDMA models are the hardest here as most are transferred to your new carrier. Some won't, ever. Now GSM is different. All GSM phones I've encountered (100s now) are either unlocked or came unlocked so you toss the new SIM and and you're almost done.

It's complicated so always supply details so others can give you the best answers.