I just lost my 1208, and wanted an unlocked phone to replace it...

So by splitting up the cards, you would essentially get an extra 3 mths. use out of the $100 time than if you didn't split up the cards right?

I suppose that depends on which is more important to you, either (a) 15 months expiry, or (b) the 20c/min rate on the full $100.

However, consider a couple of things:
- the $75 voucher gives you an effective rate of $0.20 per minute instead of $0.25 per minute; the $25 voucher gives you an effective rate of $0.25 per minute
- both vouchers still have to be redeemed within 90 days

Couldn't you activate the $25 card and use it for 89 days and then activate the $75 card and then you would have a full 365 days from that activation to use it all up? So by splitting up the cards, you would essentially get an extra 3 mths. use out of the $100 time than if you didn't split up the cards right?

If I port my number to a SO phone and then in a couple of weeks port that number to my work cell phone, can I get a number assigned to the SO phone which now has no number?

No, at least not with that SIM. You'd have to buy another SIM privately that has an existing phone number and airtime.

lazyacer said:

But since Rogers is the only GSM carrier in Canada anyway, having a locked phone would only affect people who want to use their SO phone in US or overseas..?

You're forgetting Fido. Even though it's owned by Rogers, it's you can't used a phone locked to the Fido network on Speakout, for example. There needs to be a law preventing this. However, first we need a government that isn't under threat of being brought down by the opposition every two months.

If I port my number to a SO phone and then in a couple of weeks port that number to my work cell phone, can I get a number assigned to the SO phone which now has no number?

One was lost within 2 weeks

You should call SO CS ASAP to request that they (a) invalidate the SIM on the lost phone and (b) send you a replacement SIM with remaining airtime transferred to it. They should do that for no more than $25.

the other, my son accidentally sent through the washing machine

Even if the phone no longer works it's very likely that the SIM card is OK. You can test it with any unlocked GSM phone (or any phone that's locked to Rogers.) If the SIM works you can buy an unlocked GSM phone from a variety of sources, then use your SO SIM with it.

I called the 1-800# they gave me at the store and it said the # could not be reached from my area.

Sounds like they gave you a wrong number. Try 1-866-310-1023

Buying an existing SIM card in the aftermarket will not enable me to port my PCM number, right?

I don't see why not, especially since both SO and PCM are operated by the same MVNO, ztar. Note however that when you port your number from PCM SIM to SO SIM (a) the PCM SIM becomes worthless, i.e. you can't sell it and (b) you lose any remaining airtime on it.

jagnyc said:

Thanks. The SO SIM should work with any unlocked GSM phone, correct. If so, I am tempted to just buy an SO Phone and SIM, port my old PCM number, and sell the new SO Phone. Buying an existing SIM card in the aftermarket will not enable me to port my PCM number, right?

Yes, the SO SIM will work in any unlocked GSM phone (that uses the North American 850/1900 bands)

I'm not entirely sure if an aftermarket sim will work, I can't see how what would stop it, because as long as the sim is active, I think the port should go through.

jagnyc said:

I am currently on PCM but do not like their new shorter credit life. A $25 credit now lasts only 120 days, and $50 for 180 days.

I am considering moving to SO but wanted to check with the experts first. Will I be able to port my PCM number, and if I buy an SO phone, will it be easy to sell these locked SO phones so I can continue to use my Nokia 6130 PCM phone?

Thanks for your input.

You can port your PCM number to SO. Selling your SO phone is of course always up to whoever is looking for that particular model, and the price. Various SO phones are sold frequently on this site, and elsewhere.

I am considering moving to SO but wanted to check with the experts first. Will I be able to port my PCM number, and if I buy an SO phone, will it be easy to sell these locked SO phones so I can continue to use my Nokia 6130 PCM phone?

Thanks for your input.

So which phones are included with the buy $100 airtime get a free phone promo?

Only the least expensive model. The promo is actually that you get $xx towards the phone when you buy $100 airtime, where $xx is enough to pay for the cheapest phone. If you want a better phone you've got $xx to apply towards it.

This promotion is not wonderful. Last summer...

That was last summer. This is this summer. People who need SO this summer don't have the option of turning the clock back by a year.

However, if they're patient, according to SO, as posted elsewhere on this forum, the "buy $100 airtime, get free phone" promotion will be back for the Christmas season.