okay, so AT&T wireless has the samsung A427 red refurb for $19.99: http://tinyurl.com/yrv2p7

the unlock for this phone is simple: http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=429469

i don't have GSM service, and really have no desire to switch here in the states, BUT i do travel outside the country now and then, so having a relatively new GSM phone that's unlocked that i can take with me would be nice (it also supports bluetooth and EDGE)

my question is this: were i to buy this phone with AT&T's no-fee, $0.25/minute plan and unlock the phone, would i be able to simply buy a SIM card overseas and use it? or is this phone specifically made for pay-as-you-go, meaning i can't use it in any other way?

2/9/2008 11:32:11 AM

yes.

2/9/2008 11:42:11 AM

^ yes, i can use it overseas WITHOUT pay-as-you-go service after it's unlocked?

or yes, it's stuck as pay-as-you-go even unlocked?

2/9/2008 3:11:20 PM

you can use whatever SIM/service you want from over-seas after it is unlocked.

2/9/2008 3:29:54 PM

thanks! should arrive in a couple of days with a $10 credit

2/9/2008 3:59:48 PM

anyone have an old SIM card they'd be willing to let me have/borrow? in order to unlock this, it says i need a non-AT&T card (i tried my roommate's cingular card, just in case, but it didn't work)...i would assume that just leaves suncom

2/13/2008 7:19:23 PM

suncom or tmobile.. i can't remember if either has a prepaid service you can buy just a sim card from, might be worth searching around for though

2/13/2008 7:21:42 PM

Did you ever get this to work because i think I might want to do this.

2/16/2008 6:40:45 AM

i'm meeting a guy from tdub monday or tuesday to use his sony ericsson card to unlock it...i don't expect any problems, but i'll let you know

2/16/2008 4:47:59 PM

^^same question

2/24/2008 2:41:49 PM

well, the guy who was allowing me to use his card said he's been really busy as of late...supposed to meet him early this coming week

if anyone else has a tmobile or suncom SIM i could have/use/borrow/whatever, i'll be more than happy to try this out and let y'all know...i'm around ncsu all day, every day, so hit me up if you'd like to further the cause

otherwise, i'll let y'all know whenever i do it

2/24/2008 8:47:57 PM

just fyi: nextels have sim cards also. that's what i used to unlock my a427.

2/25/2008 6:16:35 PM