I need a tech work around.

November 16, 2008 12:28 PM

Can I make my Sprint Blackberry work with my Verizon Wireless account?

I was given a Sprint enabled Blackberry to use for work purposes on a temporary job. The job is over and I get to keep the Blackberry. Only problem is my cell service is through Verizon not Sprint. Is there anything I can do to make the blackberry compatible with Verizon?

posted by brookeb to Technology (3 answers total)

Probably not. Verizon won't activate a non-Verizon device on their network. Carriers work with the device manufacturers and there's generally some hard-coding inside that makes them seek out their own network first, regardless of later software updates. So, even if you were to get a friendly Verizon rep to activate it for you, you might have issues.

That said, if you can find such a rep who's willing to give it a try, it might work OK.

If not, Craigslist is your friend.
posted by altcountryman at 2:31 PM on November 16, 2008

The answer is no.
posted by kindall at 6:11 PM on November 16, 2008

CDMA cellphones are always "locked" to whatever provider they were assigned. In this case, Sprint. So, to echo everyone else, not possible. I'd sell it and use the proceeds to buy a Verizon BlackBerry. Or buy out your Verizon contract, I guess.
posted by heavenstobetsy at 7:25 PM on November 16, 2008