W531 as a GSM handset

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richms

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#38343 28-Jul-2009 13:33

A recent upgrade at a friends work has left them with some of these, since they sold for $79 recently, they said I could have one for $40.

Since I will need a cheap GSM handset for 2° I was thinking they may be an option once I have used the cant be discussed code on it, but how do they perform on GSM, does MMS, txt, voicemail noification, and all the other basic features work? Does it have to always be switched to GSM mode on power up?

They are quite well featured phones and I dont think I will do better at $40 but its the possibility that things wont work on it that worry me and I will be using a phone that will dial and answer and thats about it.

Richard rich.ms

kingjj

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#239935 28-Jul-2009 21:06

I'm not 100% sure on this but from what I've been lead to believe you can't use it as a GSM phone using another companies SIM card. I believe they only work when issued with a Telecom CDMA number as with normal CDMA phones, while the SIM only provides roaming capabilities when linked back to Telecom. It is primarily a CDMA phone first, GSM roaming phone second.

Don't quote me on that but it is my understanding of the matter.

freitasm

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#239943 28-Jul-2009 21:19

That's correct. It's locked and will only work with an old Telecom's roaming SIM - not even with a XT SIM.

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johnr

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#239951 28-Jul-2009 21:31

They work with other SIMs fine when you use the magic code

tonyhughes

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#239952 28-Jul-2009 21:32

You can unlock them. The last time I posted the unlock code for it on the internet, Telecom New Zealand Limited threatened legal action against me, then changed the code in their stock and ROMs-for-flashing-repair-phones. Within a couple of weeks someone got the new code again, and posted it - its out there somewhere.

Calls and SMS will work, but no MMS in GSM mode (the phone only supports it in CDMA mode).

old3eyes

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#240031 29-Jul-2009 08:32

freitasm: That's correct. It's locked and will only work with an old Telecom's roaming SIM - not even with a XT SIM.

I have one of those SIMs at home and was going to put it in an old W531 at home just incase I go to ozz but the activation website has now gone so I will search the web and find the unlock info and may use it on 2D..

Regards,

Old3eyes