:::Does GSM Technology Scale Across A Multitude Of Providers? (T-Mobile, Samsung, AT&T)

[NDL]

I currently have AT&T Go Phone (prepaid), and I am very happy with their service.

I am not happy with the selection of phones that they currently offer, and I'd like to upgrade the phone I have now.

Can I buy another phone with GSM technology marketed by another cell phone provider (e.g. Net10, T-Mobile, Straight Talk, etc.), pop my AT&T sim card, and continue as an AT&T customer?

If so, is it plug and play? In other words, is it as simple as I stated above?

Thanks in advance for your time

It needs to be unlocked and it needs to support whatever frequencies AT&T uses.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Yes, you can.

You can buy an unlocked GSM phone or AT&T branded phone for a quick swap. The only catch might be SIM size. Most phones these days use the micro SIM, but newer ones are going nano SIM. It would simply require going into an AT&T store and getting the card swapped out or if you are feeling adventurous buy a SIM cutter but risk damaging the card.

In the case of a 'locked' device. If you buy a T-Mobile locked phone for example, the SIM card will likely fit but may not boot up completely and give you a message saying something to the effect of 'restricted'.

[NDL]

Thank you both, for your very helpful replies

[NDL]

If I can add one other question:

Many Samsung phones have a micro-usb output, to be used with a wired headset.

The stores I've checked don't carry a micro-usb to 3.5mm headset adapter, and online stores kill customers with shipping charges. Are the adapters common in chain stores? If so, are there any chain stores that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by NDL

If I can add one other question:

Many Samsung phones have a micro-usb output, to be used with a wired headset.

The stores I've checked don't carry a micro-usb to 3.5mm headset adapter, and online stores kill customers with shipping charges. Are the adapters common in chain stores? If so, are there any chain stores that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance

I dont know of any Samsung devices or any device that uses the micro USB as the wired headset output.

Any device I have seen, even stuff not out on the market all have 3.5mm headset jacks.

[Skunk Workz]

Originally Posted by shmoov_groovzsd

I dont know of any Samsung devices or any device that uses the micro USB as the wired headset output.

Any device I have seen, even stuff not out on the market all have 3.5mm headset jacks.

I have an old HTC Touch Pro that used a the mini USB with an adapter, but I haven't seen anything like that in a number of years.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by Skunk Workz

I have an old HTC Touch Pro that used a the mini USB with an adapter, but I haven't seen anything like that in a number of years.

Good call! I remember that phone. That was definitely an exception. Even some of my old flip phones used the 2.5mm jack and needed the adapter, but it they were not micro USB, tey were he old proprietary ones that each oem had.
What a pain!

[NDL]

Thanks again, to all who contributed to this thread