What do need to do to switch carriers and keep my phone?

[whatsit]

Hello,

I currently have a Sprint Mogul that is working great. I love the phone (especially with the new radio features). I may have the opportunity to switch wireless carriers soon, as my contract will run out in the next few months.

I would like to switch to Alltel as they have better coverage in my state. What do I need to do to get my Mogul/Titan to work on Alltel's network? I presume they probably have to register the device's ESN on their network and change some other network related settings on the phone. Has anyone gotten a carrier to do this? Can it be done? Has anyone made a switch like this and kept the same device?

I'm just not thrilled about re-buying my phone again.

Thanks for your stories and input.

[Total_Lag]

I never experienced this nor heard of it, but I think it's possible. All you would need is to flash on Alltel's ROM and update using Alltel's PRL just so you can get a lock on Alltel's towers. With this accomplished, I think you can try calling them up and have them program your phone like you would with any other carrier.

Note, this is all just making educational guesses on my part and not guaranteed to work.

[diatomis]

I'm not sure how sprint will work it for you but when I tried to switch from qwest to sprint with mine.. it never happened.. though sprint did say that qwest HAD to release the ENS qwest refused to, and I walked all the way up the chain of support/manager/supervisor/legal dept... they said they own the ESN.. you might have better luck with sprint but.. I would check to make sure it is going to work before you terminate service with them..
Best of luck.

[dbrown2]

Just a thought I read somewhere just the other day that you could change the esn of the 6800/mogul. So if you went to new carrier and said give me a new esn (not even sure if they can) that works on your service and then changed your current ESN (removed the sprint) and placed the new ESN then it should work?

I would think that is legal.. you are using a ESN that your new carrier knows about because they gave it to you. Not sure.

[peckels01]

Verizon has activated alltel phones on their network before by reflashing the software/writing their PRL to the phone. I have first hand experience with this. I would assume it is possible but just a matter of if they are willing to do it.

[aorick]

I have used Alltel phones on VZW and VZW phones on Alltel with only telling them the ESN. I am on Alltel now and want to take my 6800 to Sprint. Sprint sales says I can, but no one knows what steps I'll have to take. Want to just trade phones?:D