fornax wrote:Thanks. One follow-up... I'm reading some references (no idea as to the reliability) mentioning that once you activate a new SIM in a new phone the SIM is "locked" to the phone. If this is true, what's the mechanism? What's actually "locked"? The phone? The SIM? Both? I ask in case I can't get my current phone unlocked and end up buying the cheap phone, and then deciding to upgrade later. Will I just be able to move the SIM over?
I think we're both saying the same thing regarding the plans. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to pay more money on top of the $100 to get the monthly messaging add-on (assuming I don't run through the $100 credit prematurely between the messaging plan and any used voice minutes).
The SIM card being locked to the original device of activation may be a thing of the past. I am not 100% sure if it is a "rule" anymore. I activated a prepaid iPhone 4 for a family member this past July and I seem to remember briefly placing the newly activated SIM card in my phone to see if everything had been set up successfully -- which it had been -- so I guess no worries. Other regulars here have reported that there has been no lock on their SIMs lately, either. In the past, "locking" referred to the SIM in particular and I guess the phone, too in a way if it had not been carrier unlocked to begin with.
And yes, you shouldn't need to add additional money to the $100 credit in order to use a messaging package. The cost would get deducted from the $100 balance.