If I root my phone, can I choose my mobile provider?

[siiva]

Because Virgin continues to claim I am tethering my phone, when I'm not (see getting charged for tethering, but I'm not...? - Android Forums) , I would like to switch to another provider (in Canada). Can I root my HTC Legend, then simply use a SIM card from another provider? I don't want/need a data plan.

Thanks

 

[sitlet]

Its a little more complicated than that.

 

[dan330]

you have to find out.. if your phone model can be "unlocked".

this will allow you to find a new carrier that can activate your phone.

note..
you current carrier report your phone's ESN as bad/stolen.. if you do not pay your bill and have a contract. some new carriers do check this.. and will not activate a bad ESN.

 

[BigD562]

If there's a sim card involved then there's no worry about bad ESN.

 

[siiva]

Yes there is a sim card. It looks like Virgin is in cahoots with Bell (Virgin Mobile Launches HSPA+ 3G Network in Canada - MobileTopSoft.) so the Bell affiliate in my area, Aliant, probably uses the same type of network, so, in theory, I should be able to get a voice plan from Aliant, on a sim card, and pop it in the phone right?

 

[stewy]

Because Virgin continues to claim I am tethering my phone, when I'm not (see getting charged for tethering, but I'm not...? - Android Forums) , I would like to switch to another provider (in Canada). Can I root my HTC Legend, then simply use a SIM card from another provider? I don't want/need a data plan.

Thanks

You don't even need to root, you just need an unlock code. I got one from unlock2go(search youtube) but I think you can get them cheaper from other websites. I think I paid 25 bucks.

I bought my legend second hand, got the unlock code and now use it with fido. If you plan to use the internet you'll need to get the APN info for your provider. You can probably find this info online as well.

Check to make sure you can get a SIM card through Aliant... they may be cdma only.

Are you from the rock? If not then then you're at least out east somewhere... I'm a Newfoundlander living in Ontario.

 

[siiva]

Check to make sure you can get a SIM card through Aliant... they may be cdma only.

I called them and they said Virgin shares their towers, and they use sims too. They said I needed an unlock code, just like you did. I was going to use this site:
HTC Legend Unlock | Unlock HTC Legend with genuine HTC unlock codes

But I actually bought the phone outright from virgin, so I will try to call them and get it out of them first.

Are you from the rock? If not then then you're at least out east somewhere... I'm a Newfoundlander living in Ontario.

New Brunswick. My bro is currently in NFLD with the air force. Cheers!

 

[mjf1]

I bought my Legend from Virgin Mobile to save $50 and then walked into a Bell store and had it added to my plan without unlocking it.

 

[stewy]

I bought my Legend from Virgin Mobile to save $50 and then walked into a Bell store and had it added to my plan without unlocking it.

virgin is owned by bell so i doubt they'd care about that.