Does anyone know if T-Mobile locks their prepaid cell phones? I'm leaning towards the 1661.

Here’s something I found on the T-Mobile website -

If I read it right, after 3 months of owning a T-Mobile phone, I can request an unlock for it. I wonder if it applies to their prepaid phones/service. Anyone out there try this?

SIM Unlock:

T-Mobile branded phones operating on the T-Mobile network may only use T-Mobile SIM cards. To use a T-Mobile branded phone on another wireless carrier’s network with a non-T-Mobile SIM card, you must first request a “SIM Unlock” code from T-Mobile. Conversely, if you have a phone from another North American wireless carrier, you may need to request a “SIM Unlock” code from that carrier before being able to use a T-Mobile SIM card on the T-Mobile network.

SIM Unlock Requests:

T-Mobile customers must meet the following eligibility requirements before contacting Customer Service to request your SIM Unlock code.

The following restrictions apply to all account types:

T-Mobile can provide SIM Unlock Codes only for handsets sold by T-Mobile USA, with the exception of Danger Sidekick devices. T-Mobile can obtain SIM Unlock Codes for companies acquired by t-Mobile USA (VoiceStream, Aerial, Omnipoint, SOL, Digiph, PCS One, and Powertel).
SIM Unlock Codes will only be provided after your account has been active for 90 days. Only one unlock code may be provided per customer every 90 days.
No SIM Unlock Codes will be provided within the 14-Day Buyer’s Remorse period. Customers who purchase phones in CA California or via Amazon.com are granted a 30-Day Buyer’s Remorse Period.
SIM Unlock Codes are not always available from the Manufacturer. However, T-Mobile will make a dedicated effort to obtain the SIM Unlock code. Note: Other restrictions may apply depending on account type.

Cheapskate said:

I have a T-Mobile phone on their prepaid service (a Nokia 2610) and T-Mobile will not unlock this after 3 months – it appears the subsidy is too great. But it is not a great phone anyway and I really don’t want to use it elsewhere.

Go to net10.com and click on buy phones and more. enter the zip code where you will be using the phone. then proceed . There will be a list of phones that will work that area. Regular rates are 10 cents a min. for all calls in the US. and 15 cents amin. for calls to Canada. The phone comes with 300 mins airtime or 60 days of service upon activation. Note these phones only work in the US. these phones are locked to the sim that comes with the phone.

I would buy a reconditioned phone that comes with an additional 300 min airtime card if you are planning to be there for more than 3 months and cut your costs in half.

You can save an additional $8.00 by using promo codes 44477 and 34567
note these codes are per order and must be entered separately.

For just calling this acn’t be beat.

I do not know if they will ship to Canada but you can contact them.

Good luck.

ggg