Ok the same questions keep getting asked regarding the unlocking, frequencies and compatibility of GSM and CDMA so I am going to make every effort to address all of the questions that keep getting asked in the forum. As more come to mind I will post more Q & A
Q.) Does the Verizon 8830 come unlocked like the sprint 8830?
A.) No it does not but it can be unlocked. To get it unlocked you need to call customer service to get the unlock codes. For you to get the unlock codes you need to meet one of the following criteria:
1.) Your contract must be up
2.) You must have paid full price for the phone
3.) If you did not pay full price for the phone, you must pay the difference between the full price and what you paid.
OR
4.) Be a customer in good standing (meaning bills paid on time) for at least 60 days
Q.) What is unlocking?
A.) Unlocking is the process of disabling the “lock” providers that put on your phone so that it can only be used on their network. Once your phone is unlocked you can use any sim card on any GSM network that has the same frequencies as your handset.
Q.) Can a CDMA phone be unlocked to be used on another network?
A.) No…No…and NO. Point blank NO so quit asking.
Q.) Are GSM and CDMA compatible?
A.) No. They operate completely differently. If you need more info or a technical explination go here:
Code division multiple access - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (How CDMA works)
GSM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (How GSM works)
Q.) Can I unlock the 8830 to be used on ATT (cingular) or T-Mobile?
A.) NO. The 8830’s GSM operates in the 900 / 1800 Mhz band where as T-Mo and AT&T use 850 / 1900 in the united states. You can not do ANYTHING to make this work. If you want a 8800 series, buy the 8800 or 8820 which is GSM.
Q.) Will unlocking my 8830 make the GPS work?
A.) No. Unlocking has nothing to do with the GPS
Q.) I am going on vacation / traveling but I am unsure what frequencies the other countries use, where can I go to find out if it’s a CDMA country or what frequencies they use?
A.) To see if you can use CDMA roaming in another country check your providers roaming map for that country. To get the GSM frequencies and maps go here …
GSM World Coverage Map- GSM Country List by frequency bands
Q.) What does the new VZW software update do?
A.) RIM has released new software for the BlackBerry 8830. This software includes updates or
fixes for the following known issues:
• GSM to CDMA Reconnect
• Call Collision
• System Determination (GSM Mode)
• Calendar Sync Issues
• Ringer Volume
• Added Stereo Bluetooth Support - Device now supports A2DP and AVRCP
Bluetooth profiles which adds compatibility with stereo Bluetooth headsets
• Keypad Backlighting
• CDMA Radio Fixes
Q.) Do I need to go through the unlocking procedure each time I want to use a third party SIM or is my phone now unlocked permanently and I can use whatever SIM card I want be it VZW or someone else when traveling abroad.
A.) Once your phone is unlocked, its unlocked for good. You do not have to keep entering the code with every new sim. You are also free to use ANY sim from ANY provider in the world to use their network provided your phone can use their frequencies.
Q.) Do the SIM cards from third parties allow you to use the internet and get email as well as voice?
A.) It depends on the service provider. Some do, some dont. you have to investigate that with whoever you get a sim card from.
Q.) I just got my Blackberry from Verizon a couple of months ago and I recently got a new job where they will be paying for my phone but the company uses Sprint. Is there a way that I can activate my Verizon phone on the Sprint Network?
A.) No. Sprint never has and never will activate a non sprint phone on their network. On the flip side, Verizon use to allow non VZW phones on their network but no longer do either.
8830 FAQ - Read First 
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