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Storm on T-Mobile?

Andrew

Nov 7, 2008, 2:08 AM
So on Verizon's "world" blackberries, is there normally a setting or some kind of way to force the phone onto a GSM network even if a CDMA network is available?

I'm honestly not interested in switching to Verizon, but should I find a way to lay my hands on a Storm despite that, I'd prefer to use it on T-Mobile... it has all the right radios, I just am not sure if it's worth the bother if there's no way to get it to use GSM when CDMA is available
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Crapbag

Nov 7, 2008, 2:24 PM
Engadgetmobile.com had a story on a GSM model Storm. It didn't suggest it would end up in the states that I recall, but there may be one out there for outright purchase eventually. Blackberry devices aren't very good when it comes to changing providers. I've also never seen a dual capability GSM CDMA device used on an all GSM network. I'd ask in the Verizon forum. If it can be unlocked and used on a foreign GSM network, then it should be usable on the Tmobile network. However, if it simply picks up GSM signals while requiring billing through VZW, then it would seem less likely. This is purely speculation on my part.
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IrishCarBomb

Nov 7, 2008, 5:38 PM
The Storm is locked from using GSM in N America, and there isn't anyway around it as it stands, since it is part of the core OS. There might be, given time, a 3rd party app that lets you get around it, or someone that is Bold enough to start testing the removal of different modules, then different code lines, until they get it to work on GSM in N America.

There is also the GSM version of the phone, but you will have to pay out right for that, but it will work no problems on N American GSM networks. Just make sure you get one already unlocked, no point in dropping 500+ on a phone that is still locked.
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Crapbag

Nov 10, 2008, 6:04 PM
Is the GSM model announced for a particular carrier yet? I think I read that it was European destined. That would be the way I would go as well.
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IrishCarBomb

Nov 10, 2008, 6:15 PM
Yes, Vodafone is the European carrier...

For the Crackberry giveaway, the fine print talked about how if the person was on GSM, they would get them a Vodafone version and unlock it for them so it would work on their US carrier...

Crackberry also talked about the Verizon version being locked out of GSM in N. America, but since it has the radio transmitters, it seems possible, given time and ingenuity... I am guessing you could probably get around it if you put the Vodafone OS version on it, but I don't want to gurantee that...
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Crapbag

Nov 11, 2008, 2:57 PM
Its probably more trouble than its worth.
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IrishCarBomb

Nov 11, 2008, 3:02 PM
Very true... Going the Vodafone route is about the only logical/rational approach to having a Storm on a GSM carrier in the states right now...

Personally, I am cool with waiting for the exclusivity rights to wear off/ for BB to come out with their next touch device. I like my 8110 just fine, and I get a Bold in a couple weeks 😁
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bentos88

Nov 9, 2008, 11:09 PM
The FCC just recently approved the Blackberry Storm (GSM only). So you can purchase a Storm unlocked and wouldn't have to switch! The only downside is that it won't offer 3G since the Storm approved was the Vodafone version which only supports European 3G. So if you're fine w/ EDGE, then ur in luck!
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T-Monster

Nov 13, 2008, 12:00 PM
I heard a rumor through the grapevine that if verizon doesn't sell their quota of blackberry storms in the 4th quarter, RIM is going to move the storm to T-Mobile. T-Mobile has done more for blackberry than any other carrier. The only reason Verizon got the storm first was because they had a higher bid. We'll see what happens.
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Crapbag

Nov 13, 2008, 4:02 PM
I find that hard to believe. Sure there may be contractual quotas to meet, but I have two problems here. One, where are you getting your numbers that T-Mobile has the most blackberry sales? If I were to guess, I would say At&t has the larger number of BB sales. At&t alone makes up 25-30% of all Rim's sales world wide. If Verizon had a quote in the contract for exclusivity, I would find it hard to believe it would then have another exclusive contract with T-Mobile.
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Andrew

Nov 26, 2008, 11:04 AM
It's cool, there're already unlocked storms on ebay now heh
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