LF: Smartphone but with a situation twist - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Cactus Jack · 10-29-2009, 09:48 AM

As some may know, I'm moving to Sao Paulo next June. My current contract with Fido ends in a month and my current phone is a total piece. I want to bring a new Blackberry or I-phone to Brazil next year.

Has anyone had experience moving with a phone like this? I imagine I could unlock it in Brazil? I suppose I should call Fido to see if they have any arrangements with Brazilian cell phone companies, but I do it.

The only thing I could think of is signing a contract, getting the phone, using it here for 6 months and seeing if anyone wants to take over the contract.

Does anyone have any good recommendations on places to get these phones other than the obvious stores for $700? Perhaps a good, refurbished one or something? Does anyone know anyone selling them?

Thanks

Nammer403 · 10-29-2009, 01:54 PM

i think if u sign a new contract with fido or any company and your moving out of the country, the contract would just cancel and you got yourself a new phone i dont thnk there are any fees for moving...but check with fido first

Cactus Jack · 10-29-2009, 02:55 PM

If you moved out of the country while on a contract, wouldn't they demand you pay the cancellation fee? And if you didn't they may take their case to a collection agency? Hopefully you're right but it seems to me that they would push a little harder.

I'm not sure how to call Fido and say "hey, if I move out of Canada while under contract would you simply cancel it?"

Akai-Sesui · 10-29-2009, 10:35 PM

If you get out of the contract, you're going to get hit with a cancellation fee. It varies with companies, but I'd generally say avoid signing a contract if you're going to be moving away...
If you want someone to take over the contract, the free phone is usually the main incentive...so if you take that away, you won't get many takers.

Suggestion would be to try looking for a 2G-Iphone; good functionality probably 200bucks or so? Buying a phone unlocked gives you many options.
Brazil also has 4 mobile carrers down there as well, should try giving them a shot.

Cactus Jack · 10-30-2009, 09:15 AM

Thanks, Akai. Here is what I'm thinking:
- If I sign a 3 year, with my Fido points and the $200 bill credit I pretty much get the phone for free. According to Fido, if I cancel the maximum I would pay is $400. I will first confirm that in writing, but $400 for a new i-phone as the worst case scenario isn't bad.

I will unlock here before I go to Brazil, as I assume it's relatively easy and cheap to do. I have someone in believe researching costs of getting the i-phone in Brazil but it seems like it would be much more expensive there, like all technology.

silentsim · 10-30-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Thanks, Akai. Here is what I'm thinking:
- If I sign a 3 year, with my Fido points and the $200 bill credit I pretty much get the phone for free. According to Fido, if I cancel the maximum I would pay is $400. I will first confirm that in writing, but $400 for a new i-phone as the worst case scenario isn't bad.

I will unlock here before I go to Brazil, as I assume it's relatively easy and cheap to do. I have someone in believe researching costs of getting the i-phone in Brazil but it seems like it would be much more expensive there, like all technology.

are the new 3gs new firmwares even unlockable yet?
(been out of it for a while!)

Yeah_Baby · 10-30-2009, 08:36 PM

What is an I-phone?

Akai-Sesui · 10-31-2009, 06:07 AM

Hey Jack,

I really think it's a better idea to buy unlocked then (400 for cancellation is absolutely ridiculous). Paying to unlock your iphone will cost more too. Even if you have fido dollars that you could use, you'll probably end up paying more than you'll save.

You can also consider getting a "refreshed" unit, which should be considerably cheaper.

fundmark19 · 10-31-2009, 11:32 AM

I can't remember where I heard this but rogers and fido and other companies let you out of your contract if you can prove to them you are moving out of their service area they let you cancel

silentsim · 10-31-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akai-Sesui

Hey Jack,

I really think it's a better idea to buy unlocked then (400 for cancellation is absolutely ridiculous). Paying to unlock your iphone will cost more too. Even if you have fido dollars that you could use, you'll probably end up paying more than you'll save.

You can also consider getting a "refreshed" unit, which should be considerably cheaper.

Unlocking is free :P (At least on iPhones)

Cactus Jack · 11-02-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silentsim

Unlocking is free :P (At least on iPhones)

Please enlighten me

Ducay · 11-03-2009, 10:58 AM

Theres a simple program you install on your PC to unlock your phone. Just google "iphone 3GS unlock". Its easy as pie.

That said, your biggest issue to make sure the phone you select will work in Brazil. Make sure it is the proper technology (ie GSM or CDMA), and that the phone has the correct frequency. Im too lazy to search Brazil telecom standards myself, but just keep it in mind as the iphone only does certain 3G frequencies.

luloo · 11-03-2009, 12:22 PM

Depending on what you get, you can unlock your blackberry from here online. I have a website if you are interested. As far as I know the iPhone 3GS was not unlockable but I did just read today that blacksn0w was released for the 3GS and now it can be unlocked/jailbroken?

You can also buy some phones used online maybe this forum or beyond? I know I have seen a lot of iphones and berrys for sale. Just my thoughts...if you are set on an iPhone first make sure you can unlock it.

Ducay · 11-03-2009, 04:11 PM

3GS has been jailbroken and unlocked for some time now.

Anyways, if you are not DEADSET on a blackberry or iphone, there are about 10 billion different unlocked smartphones you can buy online through legit computer retailers here in Calgary and Canada. Just depends on what you want.

Cactus Jack · 11-04-2009, 10:26 AM

I now have an iphone and will want to unlock it when the time comes. I have some leads on people to call and can always use google, so if I have any problems I will come and ask here. Thanks for all the responses.

Ducay, the Iphone 3GS carries 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 frequencies, and a few of these are what is currently being used in Brazil so I should be fine I would imagine when I arrive there. Thanks

Ducay · 11-04-2009, 10:48 AM

Good stuff, ya, I googled and looks like there are a few carriers that even offer 3G service in the correct bands. Have fun!

And unlocking is a piece of cake. Just google, there are plenty of walkthroughs. It takes like 5 minutes total.