What happens to old SIM when you activate iPhone 4

[VivaV]

This problem has happened to my bf - he didn't want his iphone 4 upgrade so he sent a sealed, unactivated iPhone 4 that he received from the online Apple Store to a family member overseas (he is keeping the contract and line for his 3GS).

We have just learned that the iphone 4 has to be activated with my bf's SSN and zipcode - which he is sort of alright about doing - but he is concerned what happens to the SIM cards during the activation.

Is it obligatory that the iPhone 4 SIM takes over the 3GS line - and the 3GS SIM becomes inactivate - or can you stop the activation process early so that the iPhone 4 micro-sim does not actually take over the line??? In summary, my bf is concerned about being without a phone line (and also a bit uneasy about a SIM card from his line being on the loose overseas).

Can anyone help?

 

[b-rad g]

As soon as you activate the new sim the old one will deactivate. I'm sure you could call AT&T and tell them your situation and they should help you.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

When my wife connected her 3G to iTunes to upgrade from her original iPhone, it asked if this was replacing another phone or not; if you wanted a new line or not; etc.

Although someone who just upgraded to the iPhone 4 would be in a better position to answer that.

Also, an iPhone 4 purchased in the United States will be locked to AT&T; so if it was sent overseas, it won't work with any local carrier without some rather serious work unlocking. (Which only JUST became possible - and if they update the OS, may become impossible.)

 

[VivaV]

Hi

Thanks for your answers.

Yeah - it seems that the iPhone 4 handles activation differently - in particular one that have come from Apple.com - I guess to dissuade the theft of shipped phones...

You gave me a heart attack about the upgrade of iOS - it hasn't been released right? That is why I am wanting to do this online - so they can jailbreak before the next release from Apple...

 

[maturola]

Yeah you activate the new phone (with the new SIM) and the old sim will be disable, your BF just need to go to AT&T and get a new SIM for himself.

Now as mentioned, that phone is LOCKED to AT&T network, it won't work anywhere else, you need to unlock it and keep up with the community in case of future software upgrades.