Activating Phone Bought Overseas

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CATAPULT

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Wannabe Geek

#4674 16-Aug-2005 13:00

Hi

I bought a Nokia 6630 while I was over in the UK, what do I need to do to get it to work here in NZ. I am currently on a plan with Vodafone, is it as simple as putting my current SIM card in the new phone or do I need to get it unlocked or something?

Cheers
CJ

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#18456 16-Aug-2005 13:05

Welcome to Geekzone!

If the phone is not locked to the original network, then it should be as easy as inserting the SIM card.

You'll probably need to configure the Vodafone settings, and you can get this information from wireless.vodafone.co.nz - they will send the settings to your phone as special SMS.

CATAPULT

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#18460 16-Aug-2005 13:16

Thanks!

It may be locked still, because I've put my SIM card in and it doesn't appear to work.

How do I get the phone unlocked from the original network?

CJ

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#18463 16-Aug-2005 13:24

Not sure... As part of your contract with the other network you may have to pay them a fee to receive an unlock code.

Anyone else?

SNicolle

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Ultimate Geek

#18464 16-Aug-2005 13:24

it depends on the original network,
try muppet on here he might be able to sort you out though

sbiddle

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#18479 16-Aug-2005 16:20

Locking phones is standard practice in the UK. You should be able to get the unlock code from the provider the phone is locked to, the cost of this is dependant on how much you paid for the phone - if it was a heavily subsidised phone you should be able to get the code after 12 or 24 months, if you paid a higher price for the phone they might be kind and get this for a minimal price or free if you're lucky.

Failing that there are a few people on here who may be able to help with software to flash the phone and there are also several of the asian cellphone stores in Auckland who also offer software upgrades so may be able to help you.

Slightly off topic but can anybody tell me if an unbranded but Live! supported phone such as a 6630 or 6680 will be able to access Live! in NZ? ie if I buy an original Nokia non Live! version of the phone will the site let me in with the default Nokia firmware?

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#18542 17-Aug-2005 00:58

Good question on the Nokias. Start a new topic. I'd be keen to know myself!!!!

ps: if you want an unlockcode I can TRY to generate one for you but don't count on it. I 'm keen more to try out the unlocking thing on my PDA than to offer unlocking services however.!

mpc

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Geek

#18720 19-Aug-2005 11:24

I"m not too sure whether there is a way to unlock the 6630. Check out this thread http://www.zedge.no/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=14951&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=80b86fd5263d97c6d1b14bd9cb3d0ae7 sounds like there is a way but if your not a professional with the right software and tools everything could turn to custard quite easily. As an aside how do I compress URLs and link them on this forum. THe hyperlink button doesn't seem to work for me or am I doing something wrong. In fact the preview button doesn't work as well argh!

Sharesies

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SNicolle

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Ultimate Geek

#18723 19-Aug-2005 11:42

vodafone live branding on a 6680 is minimal.
its essentially a live button at standby and a range of shortcuts in the 'goto' menu which can be customised

sbiddle

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#18740 19-Aug-2005 15:05

I know the branding is minimal. The issue is whether a standard 6680 with standard Nokia firmware can access the site OK or whether Live! needs to detect the Vodafone firmware to allow full functionality.

The only reason I'm asking is that I'm off to Europe for 6 weeks on holiday tomorrow stopping off in Hong Kong and the 6680's are a lot cheaper in both places than NZ!

SNicolle

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Ultimate Geek

#18742 19-Aug-2005 15:18

alright i'm with you.. not sure about that. I know with the SE's its very firmware dependent but couldn't give you a definitive answer about the 6680