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General discussion

Want to give my cellphone to my son

May 31, 2005 4:29AM PDT

Hi-new to forum
I have a Motorola 720 from Verizon. I recently upgraded my phone and would like to give this phone to my son. He does NOT have Verizon as his cellular provider. I have asked him to send me his provider. He tells me that he doesn't think he can use my phone because it is "locked". Can someone please explain to me what this means and how does one "unlock" a phone. I see that people sell used phones all the time; how is that possible if the buyer can't use them with a different provider? I would really appreciate any clarification. Thanks!

cchall

Discussion is locked

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He can only use it with Verizon
May 31, 2005 5:04AM PDT

If he is with another CDMA carrier such as Sprint, chances are it cannot be used. The others such as Cingular and T-Mobile use a different technology all together, GSM and he cannot use it there also. I am not sure if it is possible to unlock a CDMA phone, but if it can be unlocked then he can use it with other CDMA providers (I think).
I believe Locked/unlocked usually applies to GSM phones, but maybe someone else can clarify this.

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want to give my cellphone to my son
May 31, 2005 5:15AM PDT

Just found out he is with Cingular. Thanks for the help.

cch