Although people often use the term "unlock," code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile networks like Verizon Wireless don't lock phones to their network. Instead, these mobile providers require that your cell phone have the correct programming and also go through an activation process to identify itself to the mobile network. If you want to take your Verizon Wireless Motorola cell phone to another network, you have to remove the Verizon programming, install the other network's programming and then activate the phone. This process is called flashing a cell phone to another network.
Instructions
1. Log into the Verizon Wireless website from your computer's website browser. Click "Backup Assistant" from the home page. Click "Export" and then click "Export Contacts." Choose a secure location for your contacts file on your computer's hard drive, name the file and click "Save."
2. Locate a store for your new mobile provider in your area. Call to make sure that the location in question has the software needed to remove the Verizon Wireless programming and install the new network's programming.
3. Take your Motorola cell phone into the local mobile store you found in step 2. Explain that you need to have your Motorola cell phone flashed and then activated to their network. Pay any fees for these services.
4. Log in to your new mobile provider's website. Open the mobile backup feature. Open the import contacts function. Browse your computer files to select the backup file you made in step 1. Click "Sync" to synchronize the contacts in your phone's address book with the backup file you just uploaded.
Tags: Verizon Wireless, cell phone, your computer, another network, backup file, cell phone