In areas like the United States where carriers offer free or deeply discounted phones with cell plans, the phones are commonly locked so that they will not work with other carriers. Carriers claim this is necessary to subsidize the cost of the phones. After a period of time, a carrier might agree to unlock the phone upon request, perhaps charging a fee.

We used to think the answer to this was 'no, of course not'! But then a reader wrote in to tell us how he bought a Treo, new and unlocked, and after using it with T-Mobile, changed his service provider and started using it with AT&T. To his surprise and horror, AT&T somehow then locked his Treo and now are refusing to unlock it, even though he never bought it from AT&T and never let them touch it. Somehow they apparently sent a locking signal to the Treo that locked it to their SIM.

We're not sure about this. Certainly, if they physically have your phone, they can get it to display its current lock status, but when you have the phone, we're not sure. It might be possible, in theory, for them to interrogate the phone through the cell service control signals, and get the phone to advise of its status, but we've never heard of this being done.

computer's Network Card. This should be installed and available in advance of ordering the wireless modem.

Yes, but Capitol Broadband can not guarantee the level of service when using equipment not recommended by us.

In almost all cases, ISDN requires special equipment. If connecting ISDN to a PC, a terminal adapter (sometimes called an "ISDN modem") is required. Many of the terminal adapters come with 1 or 2 standard jacks (RJ-11), so standard (analog) phones and/or facsimile machines can be connected. BellSouth has now made it easier than ever for you to purchase ISDN equipment by forming alliances with ISDN equipment manufactures and distributors.

Yes, your existing service will work perfectly with no change, as long as you leave your present SIM in your phone.

Yes. All your existing equipment can be tied into the network with the proper configuration of Home Wireless Networks components. This will not transform your corded phones into cordless phones, but it will allow you to transfer calls and use all your lines with telephones connected via our wireless Phone Jacks.

Yes. You should be able to use virtually any cell phone provider. In most cases, your wireless carrier will allow you to use your minutes without activation of a data plan. You maybe able to take advantage of any free evening/weekend minutes that maybe available as part of your plan. Please check with your carrier for their updated pricing plans for minutes or megabytes.

Of course, Call Choice is included with all Hawaiian Telcom Mobile plans. The great news is that you can also get Call Choice even you're not a Hawaiian Telcom Mobile customer: It works with almost all cell providers and handsets, including Verizon Wireless™, Cingular™, T-Mobile™ and others. Click here to register.

Our phones are unlocked sim free and would world worldwide on all Networks/carrier/service providers. Any Tri-Band/Quad Band model purchased at Staccini will function perfectly on all network Most areas require quad-band. Please contact your carrier to know more about the GSM network.

Yes, transferring your current cellular phone number to a new carrier has become a standard process. During the checkout process, you'll be asked it you want to "Port" or "Transfer" and existing number. Final instructions on how to finish the transfer will be provided when you receive your new phone. Just be sure that you DO NOT cancel your existing service with your current carrier until your number is working properly on your new phone.

Most VoIP Service Providers now offer the option to keep your existing phone number if you wish (referred to as number portability). This may vary between VoIP Provider, so check this before signing up for service. This type of information can be found under the Plan Search page for your convenience.

A cellular system is designed to provide coverage in a specific geographical region. The region is divided into several small cells, each just a few miles across. The cells are represented by hexagons on a map to show where one cell ends and another begins. Each cell has in its center a cellsite which houses the fixed radio receiver and transmitter. These are the towers you may see along roadways. The transmitter and receiver in each site connect to a Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

There are a number of Wi-Fi phones that support SIP, like the UTStar phones and the Nokia E series which provide SIP and GSM. These can be set up to use your access point. They can also search for other access points, so you can take them with you when you travel and make calls from any available access points.

Yes. The AS-2000 can connect to any existing 10/100base-T Ethernet hub/switch. The AS-2000 will use any RADIUS server to authenticate the users and maintain accounting records.

We can activate your existing phone provided it is GPS-capable and CDMA-Compatible (Code Division Multiple Access). To determine if your phone is CDMA-Compatible, go to Contact Us and Email us your Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) and we will reply with its compatibility. (The ESN or MEID is located behind the battery on the back of the phone.) You may also visit one of our Verizon Wireless Communications Stores.