Don't throw away your BlackBerry Curve when you switch carriers - flash it instead.
If you want to switch your BlackBerry Curve's wireless carrier from Sprint to Cricket, use flashing software that you can download from the Web. No free apps are available at this writing, but commercial software runs from $24.95 to $39.99. In mere minutes, you can "flash" or reprogram your phone to work with the Cricket network. CDMA network phones use internal programming instead of SIM cards to connect with cellular towers, and reprogramming your phone allows it to recognize the Cricket network instead of Sprint.
Instructions
1. Remove your BlackBerry Curve's back cover and pop out the battery. If you see a SIM card under the battery, the phone is most likely designed for a GSM network, which means it cannot be flashed to Cricket. If you don't see a SIM card, make a note of the phone's identification number, which you'll need to set up your Cricket account. Reinstall the battery and close the back cover.
2. Contact Cricket to set up a new wireless account. Give the customer service agent your phone's identification, and make sure the agent is aware that you are using an existing phone with your new account.
3. Navigate to a website where you can purchase flashing software, such as CDMA Flashing Software, Remote Squad or Your Cellular. Buy and download the appropriate Cricket software for your BlackBerry Curve.
4. Connect the USB cable to your phone and computer. Launch the flashing software and follow the on-screen instructions. Most of the flashing process is handled by the software, but you might be asked to switch to COM port 1 through Device Manager (click "Start" and type "Device Manager" in the search box) to select your old and new wireless carriers. If the software prompts for a service program code, or SPC, enter "000000." Allow the software to complete the flashing process and reboot your phone.
5. Dial "611" on your BlackBerry Curve. It should connect to Cricket's customer service line, which means the phone was successfully flashed to Cricket.
Tags: your BlackBerry, your BlackBerry Curve, your phone, BlackBerry Curve, back cover, Cricket network, customer service