Cell Phones

[dcino]

Hi aron, is it possible to have cell phones unlocked that are no longer on a plan? I want to take them with me to Africa for use of friend there.

[XL]

Depends on the phone model.....  Which phone do you have?

This is possible on Blackberries.

[dcino]

I have 3....an iphone3, a samsung sgh-a736 and an old nokia 3595.

[XL]

Future Shop does not unlock phones. But I do encourage you to research for cellphone unlocking services in your neighborhood and see what they have to say.  I think those phones are doable.... however the iPhone may relock when connected to iTunes.  Check with your unlocker.

Here's another thought.... did you check what Africa cell company is available to work with the phones you have?

[dcino]

Actually no, hadn't thought of that re: Africa companies.

There seem to be quite a few places that can unlock, put they seem to need to know what 'plan' your on, that is where I'm finding it to be a problem, as none of the phones are no longer on 'plans'.

I'm sure there must be a solution somewhere!

[XL]

Are you sure they want to know your "plans" or your "carrier".  Are the phones all from Rogers?

Just Googled up the specs.... you shouldn't have problems once the phones are unlocked.  But before purchasing the SIM card, request to test it first.  In my non-Africa travels, some places are only able to sell you the card, but full-service places will have a spare card to test prior to taking your money.

One other thing to test is the battery before spending the time to unlock the old phones.  Charge the batteries up today and see if they still hold their charge a few days later.