Well, I ordered a Blackberry Storm on eBay on Friday in hopes of being able to activate the phone on the Alltel network (the Storm has only been released on Verizon in the United States). This might seem unnecessary with the Verizon/Alltel purchase deal looming, but I prefer my Alltel plan to the Verizon plans available, especially with the My Circle feature.
Now let’s just hope Verizon hasn’t locked down the programming menu of the phone too badly and I will be able to program in the Alltel network id and update the phone’s PRL to pick up Alltel’s towers. I will update this post with my progress in the coming days.
UPDATE (12/29/08):
My BlackBerry Storm is officially working on Alltel except for issues with EVDO (1x works fine). I will do my best to detail the steps I took to make the phone work:
- Enter the NAM programming menu by typing ##000000 SEND from the phone screen.
- Mobile Directory Number (MDN) should be your 10-digit number
- Home SID (check your current Alltel phone programming menu for this number)
- BlackBerry Registration Id should be 144 for Alltel. To change this setting, press the BlackBerry menu button and choose “Edit BB Reg Id”
- SIP User ID should be <your mobile number>@bb.alltel.net
- SIP Password should be “alltel”
- MIP User ID should be <your mobile number>@bb.alltel.net
- Push the BlackBerry menu button and choose “Save”
- Now that your phone is programmed, you need to have the MEID hex added to Alltel’s system. You cannot use the web-based tool since this is a smart phone. Call Alltel from a different phone and have them add your phone to the system. You can check your MEID hex by typing #4357* SEND.
- You will also need a SmartChoice plan with the BlackBerry option added to your account.
- Dial *22801 to enter the Alltel OTA programming system and choose the option to activate your phone.
- After the phone is activated, dial *22801 again and choose the option to update your phone’s roaming service. This will update the PRL on the phone to Alltel’s latest version, overwriting the Verizon PRL.
- To provision the data services on the phone, go to options…advanced options…host routing table, press the BlackBerry menu key, and choose “Register Now”. This should replace your Verizon HRT entries with Alltel entries and you will receive a message from BlackBerry stating that the handheld has been registered with the wireless network.
UPDATE (3/3/09) – Issues with EVDO have been solved by some members of the Crackberry forum. Read this step by step guide on fixing EVDO.
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174 users responded in this post
Just wondering if you were able to update the prl for the storm. I got the programming part done with the reg id and all but am not able to get the prl updated everytime i call *228 it calls verizons activation.
Yes, I was able to update the PRL. Dial *22801 and the phone should dial Alltel’s activation rather than Verizon’s.
When you do this, it is pulling down the 30033 PRL. It is connecting to 1x data fine for me, but I am having some difficulty getting EVDO working. I am going to try to manually update the phone to the 40036 PRL and see if that does any better.
I was just wondering the evdo/1x is? I am thinking of going to get the storm.
sorry was the phone you bought unlocked or locked
I was just wondering if you are having trouble with getting on the internet and also if you aren’t how do I get on the internet? Does it always show you are roaming too? IS that because it is a verizon phone?
Hi Andrea,
1x is a CDMA technology for Internet access. It has a maximum speed of 144 Kbps and has the downside of not working while you are on a phone call (i.e. you can’t receive an e-mail while you are talking to someone).
EV-DO is a newer CDMA technology for Internet access with maximum speeds as high as 2.4 Mbit/s or up to 3.1 Mbit/s with Rev. A. EV-DO is capable of working while a phone call is in progress.
The Verizon Blackberry Storm supports both CDMA and GSM technologies, making it capable of running on virtually any cellular network. Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint are the three largest CDMA carriers in the United States. AT&T and T-Mobile are the largest GSM carriers. While the CDMA portion of the phone is unlocked, Verizon has locked the GSM portion of the phone. Because the GSM portion is locked, you will be unable to insert an AT&T SIM card into your Storm and use it on the AT&T network unless you manage to convince Verizon to unlock the phone for you (or pay someone to unlock it). Unlocking the phone is not necessary if you only plan to use the CDMA portion.
To answer your question, the phone I purchased is still locked.
As for the Internet — I am not having any trouble connecting to the 1x data network for Internet access, but EV-DO is not working properly for me. If your phone shows you as always roaming, it could be that your PRL was not properly updated. Try dialing *22801 SEND and pressing 2 to update your roaming list. You might also try *22801 SEND with option 3 to activate the phone. This will ensure that the MDN, SID, etc. are all input correctly.
I am sorry to be such a bother. I was wondering did you have trouble setting up your email with your blackberry? When I was trying it keep asking for a PIN number?
No problem at all. To setup your e-mail with Alltel, go to http://www.alltel.blackberry.com on your computer and create a new account. Your device PIN and ESN (or MEID in this case) can be found by going to Options…Status on the phone.
Completing this form will register the phone with Alltel’s Blackberry system and begin pushing e-mail to your device.
When I first setup my Storm, I inadvertently registered my phone with Verizon’s Blackberry server rather than Alltel’s server and ended up having to call Verizon support and convince them to remove my device’s PIN from their database before I was able to register my phone within Alltel’s system (that is why I would recommend doing it online rather than through the phone).
Did your phone have the solid triangle on it for roaming? When I called them yesterday they said I wasn’t roaming I was hitting an alltel tower. I didn’t know if that was because it was a verizon phone? Also do you have a browser icon or is that something I have to download?
No, I don’t have a solid roaming triangle. Which PRL version does your phone have? Dial #4357* (#HELP*) SEND. Mine is 30033 (we actually want 40038, but that’s a different matter).
Yes, I do have the browser icon. Have you already setup your account on http://www.alltel.blackberry.com? If so, try logging into the website, click “Service Books,” then “Send Service Books.”
Hey scott, I got my Storm working with Alltel and I’m pulling 1XEV….I had a discussion with tech support and I had to change two things that aren’t listed here in your write up, I thought I’d share them with you guys….
When you type in ##000000 to edit all the stuff Scott details….try changing the IMSI_S to 5057486502….or call their tech support and see which number they give you.
After that, I did the *228, not *22801 and I did reach Alltel. I updaded my PRL and I’m now running on 30034…
I’m not going to try and manually update to 40038 unless it’s proven to pull 1XEV.
Anyways, thought this would help you guys out.
Hello again! I tried to set up an account and it comes up as my device is on s different service plan? I tried to call verizon and they told me that there was no way they could take the pin number of their system. I didn’t know if I paid you and gave you the information if you would do it for me?
Hello,
I have found all of this information very helpful as I have alltel and would like to get the blackberry storm.
I have one question that Im confused about. I have read that alltel does not support GSM unlocked phones, but since the blackberry storm has both CDMA and GSM capabilities, would it work if I bought an unlocked phone? If not, do I have to buy a locked one from verizon?
Any advice would be great, thank you!
Tyffani, what you have read regarding Alltel not supporting GSM unlocked phones is likely in reference to Alltel being a CDMA carrier and therefore a GSM-only phone being locked or unlocked has no bearing on whether it will work on the Alltel network.
Since the CDMA portion of the Storm is not locked (hence typing ##000000 allows you to enter the programming menu), it will be programmable on Alltel whether it is locked or unlocked on the GSM side.
The thing to watch out for is that you do not accidentally purchase a BlackBerry 9500 (GSM-only, aka BlackBerry Thunder) vs. the BlackBerry 9530 (GSM & CDMA, aka BlackBerry Storm).
Great post! I just ordered the 9530 on e-bay and I’ll give it a shot! Thanks so much for sharing the information.
DC
Thank you so much for all of this information…I have my Storm up and running successfully! One question; is anyone having significant issues with battery life? Mine is having trouble making it through the workday….is this because I am using on Alltel’s network or do you think it may just be a bad battery?
What about the esn change? Did you have to go to an alltel store to change it? I am just asking as I seen that mentioned on the crackberry forums…thanks for listening!
Hey Scott. I just got my Storm and I was going through the list and my BlackBerry Registration Id say it is 2004. Now I have tried to edit it but it wont do anything. Do you know of a way to get around this? The menu button should be the flag button if I am not mistaken but I just want to be sure.
Got my BB Storm 9530 the other day, followed your directions and it seems to be working really well!
Thanks
the only problem I am having now is that when I call alltel they say they wont add the Hex key because it is a Verizon phone. They wont let me add the hex to my account… How did you guys get around that? They say that they can get in trouble.. Please help!!!
Hey I was just wondering if you figured out how to use the ev do. i was wanting this phone but scared not getting all the features to work. should i wait and let alltel obtain this phone?
ok got it activated. Now I dont have internet. I have the 30033 but no luck. I really could use some help here.
dec312 is your Storm able to get on the internet and receive emails?
My question was for dcn…or has anyone been able to get it to work on Alltel with the data capabilities such as internet and email?
i have done this too and this is an awesome tutorial. have you tried using qpst to load the 40038 prl? the 215 build of qpst allowed me to load the 30033 prl i have not tried the evdo roaming on spring prl 40038 yet but i will tomorrow and let you know if it loads right. also if you input your username as ##########@alltel.net you can still use the browser without having to pay for a bberry data plan. the internet browser will pop up but no e-mail. you can check your e-mail through the browser though but it is slow compared to rev-A.
you still have to have the regular data plan though to use the browser
andrea
you have to call altel and have them reset your pin to get the email to work. do not tell them it is a verizon phone or they will not do it.
nawton
optons, advanced options, host routing table, bb menu send registration. also make sure you have the browser in your service books, you have to have a bb data plan or regular data plan for this to work.
Nawton…did you edit the Reg ID? You have to highlight it (don’t click it) and hit the BB key. You’ll see “Edit BB Reg ID”. Just add the 144 to the list and delete the 2004.
Also, you may have to call their tech support and tell them you’re having technical difficulties. See if you can get them to give you the IMSI_S number, I had to change mine.
Ok I dont have a browser Icon at all. I tried reloading it but no luck. I need help there. I have tried to do the optons, advanced options, host routing table, bb menu send registration but never got anything back. I do have a blackberry plan. Everything they have to offer but still no luck. wish someone could talk me through this..
So how do you convince alltel to add the ESN. I’ve tried three different times and they refuse to do so.
Labphoto… When they ask you the phone model, tell them it is a BlackBerry Pearl and they shouldn’t give you such a hassle. You also should not mention that it is a Verizon branded phone.
You could be running into problems now that the Verizon/Alltel system integration has begun. Does customer support know the ESN belongs to Verizon equipment without asking you?
Nope, but they claim they when they try to put in the ESN, the system rejects it.
Is there any chance I have to call Verizon and get them to release the PIN?
Scott, got it to work! Your thoughts on telling them it was a Pearl worked. Last problem I have is when I dial *228, I get Verizon activation instead of Alltel. How do I fix that?
scott-
Were you able to get the data/EVDO to work on the phone where you could surf the web on the phone?
Labphoto… dial *22801 and you should get the Alltel activation instead of Verizon activation.
JustinM… My Storm is still alternating between 1X data and EVDO data. When it reads 1X, the web works for me. When it reads 1XEV, the web does not work. 1X is slower than EVDO, but it works.
Scott, I tried *22801 and still get Verizon. Did you do any other PRL changes?
i just installed .90 firmware and then i did *228 and i got 30035 prl
but still connect 1x inplace of evdo so did anyone figure out yet
Hey Guys,
Sorry I was slow on the reply, I was outta town. I did get the internet to work. I had an 8830 so I did a device transfer and it all seems to be working well. I live in an area that doesnt have alltel towers so when I drove to an area that did, I updated my PRL then via the *228 and that helped out.
Also, if you do know how to update your prl manually, here is a link that has them. I believe the latest and greatest for alltel blackberries is 40038.
Thanks
Dan
http://corolada.com/prl/
I have my storm on alltel but no internet. I cannot get it to work. I dont have a browser icon on it and my PRL is the 30033. I dont know how manually change it but it seems like some of you do. I need some help here. I havent found anyone else that has done this so I need some help.
I just got the storm and everything on this forum helped me out entirely, Thanks Scott. But I am having the same problem as some others. It will only connect to the internet when it has a 1x connection and not EV. The bad thing is I have and EV signal 90% of the time. Anyone figure this out?
When I try to provision the blackberry services for my phone, it gives me this message: “The information you provided is not valid for this service provider”. Any ideas, please help!
I talked to great tech today at Alltel and I think he may have spilled the beans on why we’re losing data when the Storm switches to 1XEV. Apparently for 1XEV to work, the Storm authenticates with Alltel’s servers using the MIP user id and password. Well it’s easy enough to update the user id (##000000), but the password field is not accessible that way. What we need is software to gain access to it. I’v tried QPST 2.17 and oddly enough that panel is not even presented for the Storm. So if anyone know of any software that we can use, post the info here. All we need to do is get to the MIP password field and change it to “alltel” (without the quotes). Once this is done, we’ll have data on the 1XEV system.
Hi everyone! I am trying to get my Storm working. It is working fine except for when I dial *228 I still get Verizon and when I dial *22801 it won’t even go through it just automatically says call failed. My only other problem is I can’t recieve picture messages.. I can send them, but they won’t retrieve once I’ve gotten them. Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions for me. I really appreciate it..
Has anyone found this fix yet? Just ordered my Storm and would like to try and resolve the MIP issue. Thanks
If the MIP password is what we need for all data functions, that would be last bit of information I need to make this phone work completely.
However, when I hit 1XEV, my browser seems to work fine, as do all other data services (save MMS). So if there’s a way out there to change it that would be sweet. I’ve looked at it with QPST 2.7 and have seen nothing, and I’m by no means sufficient enough with this program to dabble with the deeper things like memory tables and all that other crap….
Food for thought, I suppose.
-clay
Got my storm but cannot dial *228. I get US Cell. Tried *22801 and got a busy signal. I have tried everything but it just wont work? Any Idea?
Got it working but still No joy for 1EXV speed.
Kansas-One issue I ran into was with the *228 was, it wants to call the strongest cell tower. At my house that was US Cellular. I walked around a bit until I hit a strong Alltel tower and then the *228 worked. Then Activated it and updated the PRL. All was right with the world
Well, here’s an update….
I have full MMS capabilities now. I’m not sure if its due to Verizon and Alltel starting their merger or if it’s because I loaded the .103/.106 hybrid OS yesterday. However, I have not messed with my MIP password, and I do have MMS capabilities.
-clay
Please tell me how you did it? I am assuming you have 1EVX for data, no longer 1X. Where did you find it, can you give us steps? Thanks
From Crackberry site, there are several users that loaded 103 and it did not work. They still have the same issue. I would have to assume your MMS capabilities started working due to Verizon takeover.
I’m in a small area where Alltel is not going to become Verizon. My OS is .106 from the 9500 loaded through the .103 for the 9530. I’m not sure if its due to the Verizon merger, where I’m assuming the the towers are shared or not…I’m going to have to assume it’s something to do with the mms.cod file. I’m not quite sure…
Well, I have always had MMS. Everything has worked except I am slow on Data speed. I was hoping .103 would solve this issue. Guess not.
Where do I find the Home SID on a blackberry? Thanks
Okay,
So I went and talked to an Alltel tech friend of mine, and he gave me the following info. Apparently the MIP username is hard coded into the OS (why it gives the option to change it I don’t know).
There is no passcode as its just your ESN and Alltel’s data system knows to auth your eSN with MIP connections, and the “alltel” with SIP (1x).
I went through and programmed my info as above (I actually did that on my own, found this site after when i was researching the evdo problem), and came across the same 1X only problem.
So I called up my hookup, and he checked their data system and sure enough my username for MIP connections was still coming out as the @vz3gw or whatever even though I’ve changed it.
His info, and I trust he’s right as it makes sense to me, is that the OS has that hard coded and locked in and it would need to be changed via some software changes but he has NO idea how to do that honestly.
So there it is: The issue seems to be the MIP prefix is hard coded, even though it says you can change it, therefore you auth as VZN on Alltel’s system and unless VZN add’s your number into their data system (which may happen post conversion but who knows… it’ll probably stay stand alone) we’re SOL unless we can find out how to change that in the OS’s deep downs.
D.
I guess that make’s sense, but odd that it shows correctly in QPST 2.7 build 3.01. I can see the M.IP tab and make changes as required.
Okay, so the golden question is….When Verizon moves into my town, will data auto go 1XEV? Or will we be stuck. Did you tech friend say anything? My hookup said he was unsure on the transition, he did say they spoke software updates for Alltel phones, Hell, that could mean PRL’s or maybe, software change to Verizon on Alltel phones. If the latter is true, then all we have to do is wait. Does anyone know?
I am not able to call *28801 and reach an alltel tower. it keeps giving me verizon. does any one know of a map of the alltel towers?
i talked to a girl in one of my classes and she said that phones will merge in june.
Have a couple of questions before I purchase the Storm. How fast is the internet speed on the phone? do all the functions of the phone work? What are the things that wont work?
i was wondering if the people who updated their phone using *288 can still do so or if verizon took over the alltel towers
My *228 works fine for Alltel. However, Verizon was not part not in my neck of the woods until the buy out. So Verizon phones piggybacked on US Cellular in my area. I have a question for Timmey, that girl I suppose she works for Verizon or something? Does she know June for all locations or only certain locations?
thanks williamsck, i actually got *22800 to work for me today and everything is working great.
Why do I have to add a smart choice plan. I just want to used the phone for texting and calling can I just add it to my current plan and not be charged extra?
Got the Storm today but I keep reaching verizon on the *228 and *22800 I think Ive tried all any sugestions? I need an alltel tower
Help is there anyone still out there? Scott? anyone? I purchased the Blackberry Storm. I followed your intructions. I got to #4 to dial *22801 and I reach Verizon. I registered my storm on the verizon.blackberry.net server on accident. I get text messages, send text, phone calls but no data, no internet. I dont even have a browser for internet. If I have to call Verizon to release my information from there server, what could I possibly tell them? I hope I havent done anything terrible to my phone. This blackberry is so hot! you can even call me 843.478.2408….
911 HELP!
Barry, try dialing *22801 from different locations and see if you are able to reach an Alltel tower (somewhere nearby an Alltel store is a good place to try).
As far as having registered with the Verizon blackberry server… the only way I was able to get out of the system was to call up Verizon’s blackberry support line, tell them that I bought the phone used and need to have the PIN released so I can re-register it. When they comment that the phone is not activated yet in their system, just tell them that you are not ready to activate yet but need to have the PIN removed.
Internet will probably only work after you get *22801 to take and update your host routing table (step #6).
what about my interenet browser? I dont even have one on the phone anymore will I get another once the phone is registered on alltel.blackberry.com?
You will have to have your info removed from Verizon. It cannot be registered to two carriers at the same time. When you have completed the removal, and you get an Alltel tower, Dial your *228 option 3, then option 2. As long as you have followed the steps above, your Storm will work. 1X data only. Sorry, no 1XEV speed. From other blogs, The MIP is hard coded to the phone.
Okay everyone, On Crackberry they may have a way to get the Storm up to EVDO (1XEV) speed on data. As soon as user posts the instructions, I will give it a try and post them here. He said he was good to go and would post instructions in a little while ao now I am waiting….
Well I must not be convincing enough for customer service, they have no clue what im talking about….if anyone has other great plan or would like to try to help me please feel free to say!
Do you still have Alltel in your area or has Verizon taken over? From the sounds of it, if you receive Verizon activation from *228, then I would say Verizon may already be taking over that area.
Check your settings as well. Double check your
IMSI_S as well. This matters as well. you couls try 5057486502 as stated above.
SIP
yourmdn@bb.alltel.net
alltel
MIP
yourmdn@bb.alltel.net
Also, double check your BB registration ID. It should be set to 144
William, I will try that 505# and let you know. What is the purpose for this number…
thanks
My Sip and Mip is correct, BB REG ALSO 144
Yes when I dial *228 It says verizon, im going to try to call from diffrent locations like scott said also!
MSID stands for Mobile Station Identifier and it identifies the phone to the network. Call Alltel Tech support and have them verify the numbers with you. They will give you a new number. But dont ever let on its not an Alltel phone. They will stop helping. Second, I would go to a location you know does not have Verizon. Not sure how easy this would be for you but if you can, then it should work. I had an issue with US Cellular as stated above. If you are in one of those locations that have Verizon and Alltel, you are not going to be able to add it to the Alltel network. You will have to install the PRL manually then register the phone that way. Crackberry has a good how to guide. If you need it, I will copy the URL.
I wanted to let you I can make calls, send and recieve text messages. First I have to convience Verizon to release my pin so I can register online @ alltel.blackberry.com.. I dont have a internet browser on my phone. When will that come back? After im able to get data, service books all that great stuff?
Oh…Okay, thats a different story. If your phone works fine, do you get data connections? Download Viigo (its a great app) and install it to your phone using your computer. Then you can test your data connection using that. Do you have BBM on your phone? Can you use MMS on your phone? If your BBM works fine and you can send Pics Via MMS then you have data. Thats a different fix.
Some guys over at Crackberry have finally figured it out. To do this you will need to find a copy of QPST 2.7 Build 301. After you install it, you will need to run BB Desktop Manager 4.7 and make sure that your Storm shows up with the PIN. Then install QPST and launch it. You will need to add the COM4 and COM5 ports. Once this is done, you should see a connection on either COM4 or COM5 with your storm. Launch QPST and start the client service programming. Once there click the radio button to read the phones contents. Now scroll the tabs until you get to the PPP Config. Select that tab and then go to the AN tab. Remember that the AN tab. Now locate the password field and fill it in with the ESN number of your phone. You can get this from the main QPST screen. Make sure to capitalize all characters. Then click the write to phone button. The phone will reboot and once the signal comes online, you should have full 1XEV signal. NO MORE HUNTING and defaulting to the crappy 1X signal and speed.
One last thing, if you are not comfortable doing these changes with QPST, THEN DO NOT DO THEM. You can screw up the phone.
ok it took me some time but i got my phone working to call in and out and text messages. I then used Labphotos post and stablized my phone to 1xev and that worked. Now here is my problem sms/data doesnt work what did i do wrong or what do i need to check? I switched from a blackberry curve and had the full alltel package.
How has average standby and talk time been on the converted storms. also just overall happiness with the phone. Due for a new phone (alltel)and would like to take advantage of the great advice here. Currently on a MOTO Q and can’t wait to skip it across the ocean like a rock, as email and battery life are critical uses for me. Thanks for all of the great posts.
ok I got it working… everything working… Labphoto post from the other forums is right accept 1 thing was left out so here it is again…………:::::: Using QPST, go to the PPP Config tab, click on the AN box, and change the user ID in the AN screen to yournumber@bb.alltel.net , then put in the ESN in the password field. Do NOT click Req PW enc. The ESN you need to use is shown in QPST right about the phone data window
Thanks Grav.
Yes we figured it out last night, adn have tested it on multiple phones and it works. If you would like please follow this post.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f135/how-get-storm-9530-fully-functional-bberry-data-alltel-118654/
PAGE 1: Steps on programming everything but EVDO to Alltel (what’s above basically)
PAGE 5: Details on what you need to do so you can update the phones normally hard coded EVDO settings.
I’m glad we were able to get it working. I missed my EVDO.
Oops that was the avatar…lol. Thanks Lab for reposting that.
If you have any questions please register for Crackberry and contact us there. Myself and MyPDAphone are on quite often so we can help you out.
Worked like a champ…running full 1XEV
I have my Storm working as a phone on Alltel but cannot get the browser to work. I get a “no service book” pop up. When checking “manage connections” it indicates the mobile network is Verizon and under ’services status” mobile network provider Verizon.
Any help is appreciated .
I programmed my phone, following the directons above, I also had to use the IMSI_S number Scott gave. The phone is saying alltel network when dialing *611. So thanks to all very much!!! Now the only problem I have now is getting alltel to accept the phone, I think I made an mistake when I told them it was a Blackberry storm, so what should I do?
Where can I download QPST 2.7 Build 301?
sheika82
tell them its a curve.. I made the mistake of telling the guy its a storm too but he was still cool with me and still did it… It wont effect anything its just a # you needed added into the system.
barry
I didnt use the 301 build just the newest 1 i could find and that was 217 if i rememer correctly.
I also found out MMS does not work for any storms at the moment there is a fight on the net about if its software or network side. Once they hash it out then ill post it here. But everything else works honestly I can go without sending and recieving photos.
mms on alltel network that is
Barry, you can find by doing a google search for QPS 2.17 Build 301 Download. Select the first link that comes up.
Thos, login into http://alltel.blackberry.com and re-send the service books. Or you can open options, advance settings, Host Routing Table on the Store and then hit BB button and register the device.
Ok here is an update. I downloaded the QPST 2.7. I still have 1xev. I dont have any data going to my phone. Any reason you all might think this is? I dont even have a browser. I can send and recieve regular text messages and make and rec phone calls.I cant send MMS or pic messages. I have road around all this weekend trying to pickup an alltel tower with every possible *22801,22802,03 etc… I even picked up Sprint and Cricket. Ha! Ha! what do I have to do Im about to give up please HELP HELP HELP!!!!!
Do I need to have a SIM card in the phone when I buy it? I know that alltel doesn’t use GSM and probably wouldn’t need a SIM but I need to know before I buy the phone off of eBay. If anyone could answer that would be great also no answers to my previous post about having to add the smart choice plan. Is it a must have or can I get by without adding the smart choice plan? what features will I gain from having the smart choice plan?
fi_fi08,
if you are an Alltel customer, you dont neeed to worry about the sim card. To really get the use of any Blackberry you need the data plan aka Smart Choice, it allows you to access the web from your phone, mms, email, use it as a modem,all the good stuff..
Illusion740: MMS works just fine. I have been recieving pictures from my wifes previous phone (LG Scoop) since I activated my Storm. I’ve also sent her multiple pictures fine.
She just changed out her Scoop with a Pearl today (the new pink one) and I sent her a picture and she got it, and she sent me one back.
This is all on my Storm (w/ EVDO enabled)
digitard
so where do i double check to see where i screwesd up at? all functions on my phone work just can’t send pictures or recieve them… i also only have 1xev and not evdo or are those the same? when i get mms messages i can see the message but never recieve the picture.. i have to manualy retreave them but they never come threw…..
does anyone have vznavigator working on the alltel network?
Still havent been able to register my phone by dialing *228 or any other configs. Does anyone know the trick to reach alltel tower? And does anyone have a old verizon blackberry with pin and esn so I can change out my device on verizon.blackberry.com. so I can register on alltel.blackberry.com?
you guys said that I can’t register the phone’s MEID hex(ESN) online so I have to call the store correct?
Barry I had to dial *22800 for mine to get alltel
Ok good news, Scott if your out there and everyone else that has patiently responded to my questions, I got verizon to take me off there blackberry server so I may register @ alltel.blackberry.com. That was tuff but its done. I get a message that says, this device is registered with a diffrent service provider. Is this because I havent dialed *228 or *22800 to register my phone? Is there another way to register?
Also what if Verizon has taken over the towers in your area? Because I can call a verizon customer for free now! They said the merge has already started. So is this gonna make it hard for me to register. Do I have to drive until I reach an alltel tower?
Thanks, Barry 4 answering my question. Can anyone help me get connected to the internet and receive pic mail?
I was wondering about the software that is on the phone when it is purchased. I just bought an unlocked Verizon 9530, and intend to follow your instructions for activating it on the Alltel service. However, I was wondering if I need to flash the phone to make it compatible with Alltel service.
I got the storm, and am all set up, changed everything over, but I am afraid to call to have the phone activated. Last time I had to change equipment, they performed the test call on the phone and I’ve tried the *228 and *22800, *22801 without having them add the MEID, and I always get Verizon instead of Alltel. I’m worried that the storm won’t activate and the test call will fail, and I won’t have a phone at all.
verizon wont release my pin without activation what do i do please help!
hey, I have finally reached a alltel tower to register on *228 and update roaming newwork. My next question is, I tried to send service books to my phone, by the host routing table on the phone, but im not getting a text message that says I have registered with blackberry. So I need some help! Scott you out there buddy? lol! Also when I go to alltel.blackberry.com it says my device is registered on another network. But its not. HELP!!!
Got the storm working, so my issues with activation were no big deal. Thanks for posting such great info!
How did you register the ESN to Alltel since you only know the MEID (Hex) instead of pESN (Hex) which is consists of 8 character. As I know CDMA operator only have the ESN register on to their system not MEID (Hex). when you get into Advance -> status, you only get the MEID not ESN. Perhaps you should convert it first.
I just got a 9530 storm. I got it activated by alltel, updated the prl, and changed to a data plan. However, I can’t get the browser to show up. When I try to change the blackberry registration ID from 2004 to 144, I click the menu key, select save, and I get no error message, but then I hit the back key, and it gives me an error saying I need to save the data first. Ideas? What am I doing wrong?
Thanks! Jim Tanis
Got the registration ID changed, but still not able to browse. HOLY KOW! It just started to work! I assume it was the registration ID that did it. I am in 1x mode, but will work on the faster speed now that that is working.
Jim
how do i reset to Verizon after i have activated on alltel??
I have a Verizon storm that used to be on Verizon, but I switched to alltel and want to use it on there. I called Blackberry tech support for alltel and she said that it is pulling a verizon registration when trying to get online. Possibly because it was registered with Verizon before. So, now I don’t know how to get it to work on Alltel for EVDO or internet / Data Period. Please anyone if you could help me with what to do that would be greatly appreciated. I have already gone into ##000000 and changed everything in there the MIO and the SIP to mynumber@bb.alltel.net
PLEASE HELP
Question???? Would this work for metropcs? it is also CDMA can I follow all the steps and them replace the alltell info with metropcs’s info would it work?
hey scott why is it that I can make and recieve calls. Send text messages and recieve text. But I cant get service books, no data, no browser nothing. What do you think I have done wrong? Can you help. I followed the steps, but Im one thing short than everyone else! Please help! Im not the only one with this problem…
i second bwashington… we have everything working incoming/outgoing calls, sms… but no browser icon, internet, mms. what did we forget and how do we fix this so we can start browsing the net
i’m curious – i’m computer dumb – exactly how easy is it to purchase a Storm on Ebay and use it on Alltel. Keep in mind, i’m computer dumb. I love the alltel service, but i want to upgrade to the Storm.
Any advice?
mmpayne01 said in March 28th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
i’m curious – i’m computer dumb – exactly how easy is it to purchase a Storm on Ebay and use it on Alltel. Keep in mind, i’m computer dumb. I love the alltel service, but i want to upgrade to the Storm.
It’s fairly easy. If you’re not confident doing it post your email address and I’ll contact you and try to walk you through it. I did this process yesterday and completed everything in about 20 minutes.
hey jsanders ne way you can help me… i have most of it working but needs some tweaks… thank you so much!
o yeah email is keomysay_421@hotmail.com
anyone figure out how to make a prl stick to the storm when loaded manually? Using cdma workshop does no good either.
hey sanders, just bought my storm from ebay…any help you could offer would be great.
oooshinowo@bama.ua.edu
EVERYONE i HAVE 1XEV FINALLY!!!!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOO!
ALL i NEED IS EVDO ANY SUGESTIONS?
i HAVE BROWSER AND EMAIL! YEA YEA
SCOTT I DIDNT GIVE UP! LOL
bwashington, 1XEV is EVDO…….Just a different way of writing it
How did you do it bwashington? (email and browser)
Hi everyone.. I have one question that I still can’t seem to figure out. My storm is fully functional except for receiving MMS.. I can send pictures to my mom’s phone and she will get them, but I can’t receive them. My internet, email, SMS, and everything else is working fine.. Any suggestions? Thanks for all your help..
im currently having the same problem have been searching forums like crazy i have not been able to recieve mms either can send it just fine just cant recieve it maybe it has something to do with the software version i know there are beta releases out there havent tried anything yet any suggestions ?
http://forums.crackberry.com/f132/got-mms-working-103-106-hybrid-163272/
reading earlier im going to try this in regards to the 103/106 hybrid os also found this thread in crackberry forum
also up to speed… my phone fully functional including evdo… calls are fine, sms fine… can send mms fine, but will not receive mms…
ya i think it has somethin to do with an update it has to … and this blog isnt very alive maybe start somethin at crackberry to spark some convo
try upgrading to .122 version
http://forums.crackberry.com/f132/storm-9530-os-4-7-0-122-fast-download-sites-207963/
easy to install just remember to remove the vendor.xml file to be able to upgrade .122 is official release from bell u only need to remove vendor if ur storm is verizon hopefully this fixes some issues lol
http://forums.crackberry.com/f132/phone-will-not-update-122-a-208483/index3.html
some more info on installing the update
I purchased a Blackberry Storm 9530, completed the NAM programming (Step 1 of 6), Step 2 is getting the MEID hex added to Alltel’s system… I can not get anyone to do it!!! I have called Alltel 3 times today, then drove to Alltel store and they did NOT want to do it. They reluctantly agreed to switch the MEID to the Blackberry, but figured that I would be paying $1 per minute roaming charges and other expensive items possibly on the bill. They also said that I would be able to call and that’s about it…no data.
Do any of you know if it is true that I would be paying roaming charges all the time, etc.? I have spent pretty good money on this phone and now no one will change the MEID for me, and if they do, they are threatening high roaming charges, no data, etc.
What should I do???
I have a Samsung Delve, I would like to get the BB Storm, what phone do I need to tell alltel I am using to get the numbers changed ( since I do not have a BB Pearl). also I had a palm tero 755p so I have all my information on my labtop will I be able to sync all this information to the storm? I do not use my Delve as a smartphone, I have the connect pak 5 on it. Thanks.
@matt
you need to call alltel say you have a curve program the phone and get a smartchoice plan and follow the steps in guide above and on crackberry and youll be fine just dont let them know you havet the storm cuase theyll try to deny swtichin your esn over also in one of the threads at crackberry there is someone that will do the esn switch for you but easier to call alltel say you want to switch your current to your new CURVE and act like ur programmin it since you already did then say ok it works
@s lady youll need to just say you have the curve and pre program your storm according to the steps above and tell them you would like the blackberry smart plan with your new CURVE but just dont let them kno u have the storm
This is a GREAT Post… thanks so much… Question… If I wanted to get my Alltel BB to work on Verizon… I assume I would take similar steps, but what would be the verizon settings?
Thanks
raJ
I’m just wondering… When I call to get them to add my ESN, I shouldn’t activate it then? NO ONE wants to add my number without me activating it! What should I do?
do i have to get a smartchoice plan if i get the storm?
Whenever I called alltel cx service, I just told them I had a MEID I needed to add as I am replacing my current phone.
No questions asked, I read her off the number, she told me to call *228 and then she called my phone to see if it was working. No questions about me not having a dataplan, no questions about what phone or where I got it from.
Note: Not all Alltel CX Reps will be this easy, but its out there and just keep trying until you get a friendly one. The phones do work on Alltel, you don’t have to switch ESNs, just Tell Alltel you’re using a new phone
>Now that your phone is programmed, you need to >have the MEID hex added to Alltel’s system. You >cannot use the web-based tool since this is a >smart phone. Call Alltel from a different phone >and have them add your phone to the system. You >can check your MEID hex by typing #4357* SEND.
If you already have a BlackBerry with Alltel, you can log in to your account, go under account maintenance, and there’s a tab to change phones. There you can enter the new MEID.
Well, forget my previous comment. I went ahead and tried it on Alltel’s page, and it said that the phone was associated with another carrier. So I guess I’ll have to brush up on my nice skills for the Alltel reps to have them change it for me…lol
Is there a thread that has ALL the steps in one post? I’m gonna get a storm if I can get a complete step by step walkthrough. Email is bool.moon@gmail.com Take any help I can get thanks.
So I changed all the info, gave the rep the MEID hex to change, and it all worked. The alltel routing tables are loaded according to advanced options, but it still says it’s connected to verizon network in the connection manager. Is it supposed to say alltel or will it not change at all? Also, the evdo only connects for a minute and then it disconnects and doesn’t come back. Anybody have any advice?
Update on my progress, mine is fully functional. With the QPST, i had to add in the (number)@bb.alltel.net username as well as the ESN under the AN tab. Now my EVDO runs smooth. Also was worried about the Alltel system update in my area, but mine updated with ease no problems.
Hey Scott I was wondering how did you know when you tried to setup email that you had it set to verizon and had to have it released. I got an error that stated this Blackberry Device is already registered please login or call Alltel. I did they tried several things until they realized I was on a storm and then stopped.
My phone was setup on a BES prior and I am wondering if my problem is in the Verizon/Vodafon SIM card which I simply removed or if it is in the verizon system, by mistake. Please let mw know
Also just a question has anyone had any luck with GPS?
Okay well the lady I talked to at Verizon was very nice and I am happy to say I have everything working except GPS at this point can anyone else confirm the GPS issue?
Thanks,
do you have too have a sim card for the alltel network
No just take the sim card out of the phone and put it somewhere safe
Hi, I’m ordering the blackberry storm 9530 unlocked off of ebay. I’ve read through this info, but I’m confused. Could anyone give me some step by step instructions onto how to get the phone to work with internet, etc. once I get it? Please!
I have sofar everything working and update but my PRL always stays at 1 … I called verizon to remove the BB pin and they wouldnt do it. I dont get pic messaging or the internet. I know its probably answered already but could someone explain where I would go from here… Oh yeah would a hard reset wipe out the BB pin?
if i have a lost/stolen storm from verizon,will i be able to turn it on alltel?
if i have a stole/lost storm with verizon can it be turned on the Alltel network?
i was wondering if i do all this stuff will the internet work along with picture messaging? because a friend of mine said it wont work…
I did all the steps, dialed *22801 two different times and and did both options…but when I go to manage mobile connections it still says verizon wireless
Worked PERFECTLY. Thank you Scott!!
Hey does anyone know when you should just be able to activate the verizon phones and still be on altell plans?
I would love to know the answer to that question as well. I have someone willing to trade a Storm for my HTC Diamond and I would sooo love to, but am terrified of trying to follow the steps and bricking the darn thing!
I followed these instructions and successfully connected my storm to Alltel. The only thing is that under status, it shows Verizon as the wireless network. Could this be because of the merger or did I screw something up?
I have the storm working on Alltel except no browser. When I go to host routing table it says it sent but I never recieve anything. Anyone got any idea on what I can do to get the internet to work
I got mine activated today! Thanks so much!
My Blackberry registration ID is stuck and 2004 and it won’t let me change it. I can highlight the field, but that is it. Any help?
So far I’ve done all the programming as instructed, but whenever I try to call *228 or *22801 I get connected to Verizon programming. I tried adding the MEID to my Alltel account, but it’s a prepaid account, so that didn’t help. Should I just call alltel customer service and tell them that I need to switch phones? Any help involving this whole process would be appreciated. ethan829@charter.net
hey i got a blackberry storm an its unlocked an fallowed your instruction up to where the phone is being actived but when i go to activate it jus says emergcy calls
Has anyone had any luck with getting the GPS to work?
Does any of this work for the storm 2?
So I did all of the things you said, then realized that I ordered a storm 2 I cannot get the data part to work it. Any suggestions or comments that may help me out?
Does anyone know if you can do the same thing with a BlackBerry Storm 2?
sorry to be such a bother, but i bought an alltel lg glimmer and i am on a verizon plan. i need to know how to program this alltel phone with verizon!! any way to manually do it or anything?!!
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