cell phone - how to change

[achilipepper]

well it sure has been a while since i have been to the 'ol pcmech forums, but alas, i need help again! this is not exactly a PC question, but i dont know where else to turn, maybe one of y'all does?
here is my problem: my cell phone got smashed the other day. it barely works, the screen is shattered. i need a new one. if i buy a phone of ebay, can i switch it to work as my phone with my number and all that myself? i would hate to deal with cingular any more than i have to. i have a motorolla phone currently... thanks for your help

[mbossman2]

you will still need your provider to change their system to recognize the phone. Your phone is recognized by not only the telephone number but also the "serial" number of the phone.

[glc]

Don't avoid Cingular if you don't have to - at least go in and check, there's a good chance you can get a new phone free or dirt cheap if you extend your contract. If you buy a used phone, it would have to be compatible with Cingular's network to switch it over - and as bossman said, they have to reprogram it anyway.

[Confused]

George is right. My wife's phone quit just last week. Got a better one free by extending our contract with Verizon.
Chas
PS
I did it thru Radio Shack. There may be retailers that handle Cingular also.

[mystvearn]

I'm not sure how your hp system works. Over here in SEA region. The telephone company supplies the sim card. Its up to the user to find hp of his choice. Around 5 years ago, the telephone company does provide the phone-because the there is no sim card. People find it a pain cause "stuck" with the telephone the company gives. So they did it this way.

[glc]

achilipepper is in the same area as me - we have Cingular stores everywhere.

You are going to have to deal with Cingular one way or another no matter what you do for replacement.

Consider insurance if you are rough on a phone.