Question 2 devices 1 contract

[bartt761]

Hi folks.
Just wondering if the actual phone(device) is somehow linked to the network provider.
I got a new contract with XX network( i did that over the phone). New mobile network contract.
Been told the phone will be send by courier.
Never arrived on the date I was told..so I thought maybe it's a scam.
I went to the store and they said yes someone try to setup ne contract but it been cancelled.
So I setup new contract in store..by the time I got back home the phone from previous contract arrived...
Next day the phone from the new contract arrived.
I called provider many times and emailed them few times that I got 2 phones and 1 need to be returned.. I take new contract in March.. still no reply..
So I'm just wondering if they forgot about it,or not noticed that ,I can use that mobile as well..
If I open the box and put sim the second contract will not run.or they will see in the system that second mobile is working...I mean I was willing to send it back..but since they don't care i might as well use it or sell it..
But still not sure if those things aren't linked,connected whatever..
Cheers

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Does this provider use eSIMs or physical SIM cards?

 

[bartt761]

Just physics sim...

 

[bartt761]

Was just wondering. Because phone in my drawer for 7 months already I'm using the other one..
Funny how they messed up with the monthly payments as well.
First ( the contract over the phone) was £41 per month
Then in store deal I got £36 per month...
But after all. I'm actually paying £19 per month and have 2 phones..lol

 

[B. Diddy]

If you got two different SIMs for each contract, then I'm guessing the SIM for the one you cancelled won't do anything when inserted. Or have you been able to test that already and they both work?

 

[Madd62]

I wonder if they blocked the IMEI if they think the phone was "appropriated" in transit.

I didn't follow some of the story OP. Never mind though.

I was mostly curious if it was Vodafone UK, as I'm in London and had a crazy two months with them on a new sim - only 12 or 24 month contract for £20 about 6 years ago.

Anyway, if you have online proof that you tried to return it I would think you are OK. You could have returned it to a store, but I would be nervous of a mishap myself unless they gave you paperwork there and then.

You have it 7 months now?
Your tariff went down to £19 with the same data allowance etc? Weird stuff.

 

[VidJunky]

I doubt they "forgot about it" it is just taking a little while for the system to catch up with everything that has happened. If they believe the device was lost in transit or stolen along the way, based on your report, they are going to ding the IMEI to make it ineligible for activation anywhere. If I'm not mistaken the way IMEI checks work it will be flagged in a way even if an active SIM is installed it will stop working. The first part of the of this video explains a little about the IMEI, what it is and how it works.

I'm a bit surprised that we're even having this discussion given the subject matter, but that's not my call. So are they going to track you down or come after you for the device, probably not. Carriers have all kinds of insurance and other tools to absorb the cost of a lost or stolen device. Even if you're able to use it now, I wouldn't expect it to last. You already reported this, applied for a replacement and one has been issued to you, so as far as selling this device goes it probably isn't ethical to sell with a dirty IMEI. If you do the buyer would likely have standing to come after you for a refund, depending on the platform you sell on. Is it worth it to go through a big hassle to return it? I guess that's up to you. It sounds like you've gone above and beyond to try and if they're ignoring you...

Since we're talking about this, I guess let us know how long it works for. It'll be interesting to know how long it takes for an IMEI check to take effect.

Best wishes

 

[bartt761]

Thanks for all the replies.
Yes I have few emails confirming that I wanted to return 1 phone..
It's 3uk btw,for last 8 years no sim lock on they handsets...
In store and on line it's almost 2 different company's..lol
They didn't accept it in store..I've tried..if I order it online/over the phone I need to wait for return bag from them,store told me...
It's not that I'm desperate to sell it..I might use it when current one get damaged or something.. (it's a Samsung Galaxy s24+ btw.)
But on the other hand few hundred £ would be nice as well..second one is still unopened..
And yes I have it since March...
I'm keep checking my online account,emails ect..
Nothing so far...and monthly payments still £19...
Cheers