Nextel Prepaid Wireless

by Don
(Boston)

Boost Mobile Starter Kit

Boost Mobile Starter Kit

I've heard, and seen people with Nextel phones that are on a prepaid wireless plan. But when I go into the Sprint Nextel store asking for Nextel prepaid wireless, they just tell me that it's not available. When I explain that I've seen others that have it, they just tell me that it's not authorized, and that they can't help me. Do you have any tips, tricks, or comments about this?

Comments for Nextel Prepaid Wireless

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Jun 02, 2017
 Nextel Phone Support NEW
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

The old Nextel iDEN network was decommissioned, so NO, it can't be activated on the current networks. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. There are plenty of very low cost phones you can get from Sprint, Boost, Virgin, or even buy a gently used one from eBay or Gazelle.
Jun 02, 2017
 Looking For Nextel NEW
by: Anonymous

I have one of the old 576 flip phone from NEXTEL. Can I get ANY service for this phone? Call me 'old fashion', but just like this 'old school' tech. Any help would be much appreciated.
Mar 06, 2017
 iDEN NEW
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your comment. Years ago when it was first being shut down, I definitely felt it was a shame. However, the reality is that iDEN is an antiquated technology with no upgrade path to next generation high speed data.

At the time it was the only provider with Push To Talk functionality, which was a major competitive advantage. Sprint later duplicated it on CDMA, however, by that point in time people were pretty much over it. Text messaging, and other messaging platforms became far more popular.

P2T really is obnoxious in the consumer market, as it's highly intrusive. It has great business application though.

Anyway, had Nextel remained independent, which it probably should have in retrospect, it still would have dumped iDEN as soon as possible.

Anyone still using it should be planning their exit.
Mar 05, 2017
 Nextel Service
by: John

It's a shame that Sprint pulled the plug on the iDEN service 4 years ago. With many people who used Nextel phones, and Southern Link being the only one offering iDEN service, it's a shame they have limited area in the south.
Aug 01, 2016
 iDen
by: Anonymous

You can't unless you're in the service area of SouthernLinc or a small SoCal service provider.
Jul 30, 2016
 Hi there
by: Ryan

How can I activate my NEXTEL I 730
Jul 09, 2016
 iDen
by: Anonymous

The iDEN network in Hawaii was part of the Sprint/Nextel domestic network and not part of the NII Nextel International network. NII offered service in Mexico (now sold to AT&T), Brazil etc.

iDEN networks are still active in parts of the U.S. but these networks were never part of Sprint/Nextel.

SouthernLink and a small regional carrier in SoCal offer still iDEN service.

If you need a cheap CDMA/LTE based service, check out RingPlus.net
Jul 09, 2016
 i670
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That phone is an old iDEN phone. Sprint shut down the iDEN network, so this phone is no longer compatible. The iDEN network still exist for police/defense, and perhaps still in Hawaii (Nextel International). However, for all intents and purposes, there's no network on which to activate this phone. So they're not trying to scam you; it really is true.

To be honest, I don't think this is unfortunate. It's a shitty phone, and completely outdated technology. I bought a $20 feature phone from Boost shortly after they shut down the iDEN network that I use as an emergency backup home phone for the kids, and for out of town guests. And this CDMA phone is FAR better than any iDEN phone.

What are your needs? Perhaps I can make some inexpensive suggestions....
Jul 08, 2016
 i670
by: Anonymous

I have this phone and spent an hour with Sprint last night trying to see if I can get it activated for a regular line and they said their system doesn't allow it anymore. It's outdated.

Anyone know a way around this?
Oct 07, 2014
 iDEN Has Been Deactivated
by: Oliver

Unfortunately, the network (iDEN) that is what you need to run your old Nextel i730 phone has been shut down, and you are only able to use an iDEN phone in the coverage area of SouthernLinc (U.S.) or Nextel in Mexico.
Oct 07, 2014
 iDEN Network Is Shut Down!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sprint shut down the iDEN network on June 30, 2013. Not even 911 calls will work. So the easy answer to your question is that the i730 phone you got can't be used in the U.S. on postpaid or prepaid service. I hope you didn't pay anything for that phone...
Oct 07, 2014
 i730
by: Amilcar

I got an i730 and would like to connect it to prepaid and I can't. Any help please.
Mar 06, 2010
 128K SIM
by: Oliver

Most of the Boost Sim cards are still 64k and the I-930 needs a registry hack to address the new SMSMC.
Mar 05, 2010
 128K Boost SIM
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Good info Oliver; thank you. 128K starter kits are available for $10 I believe, and sometimes you can find them for less. A Sprint store should be able to help transfer contacts from to the new SIM. You may lose the phone number though (unless you port it out to another carrier and then back in), and there's typically a $15 reactivation fee.
Mar 04, 2010
 I-930 on Boost
by: Oliver

The issue with this particular phone is based on the Boost Sim Card. You can't use their 64k sims on a phone that requires 128k SIM cards. There is no fix for the I920 or I930 unless you have a 128K SIM
Mar 04, 2010
 Boost Text Issues
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

My understanding is that using an unlocked Nextel phone with Boost service can experience issues, particularly as it relates to MMS services. Unless someone responds with a fix, I would suggest calling Boost, as this is a known issue. Have you tried a master reset?
Mar 03, 2010
 Not getting text on i930 with boost sim
by: Hayley

I noticed that some of you have the i930 and use it sucessfully on Boost. I would like to know how you get your texts? I am using the i930 with a BOOST Sim card and I can not get any text messages. Please help!
Jul 27, 2009
 Reboot system after driver installation
by: Oliver

Make sure to reboot your system after you install the Motorola drivers so your system will fully recognize them. If you can disable wifi, please do because it may have priority and you would have to disconnect first before logging on via Nextel/Boost.

Also the speed is not broadband (24KB) but you can't beat the reliability of THE network.

On another note, if you use Outlook and want to continue your home ISP's email service, please make sure to change the SMTP outgoing port from 25 to 587 and check secure log-on for your SMTP server. NO ENCRYPTION!

Enjoy the "ride" on BOOST UNLIMITED.

---


P.S. Boost CDMA is your best bet if you need speed.
Jul 27, 2009
 Using Boost for internet
by: Lucious

Oliver, help me out!!! I took a Boost i465(clutch) and hooked it up to my laptop with Vista. I did what you said, left the username and password blank, and S=2 for the phone number. It authenticated fine and after a couple of tries I got local AND internet in my lower left hand corner. However no matter what I tried, I could not get an internet browser to open. I ran network diagnostics and they did not help. If you can, call me at 803-446-8050.

Anybody help!!!


Lucious
Midland PCS
Jul 16, 2009
 IM240
by: Oliver

The IM240 data card is really a big help in the daily urban jungle plus the price is unbeatable. Sure I own a Sprint USB modem but in the car, for simple email or web surfing. Plus it works just fine in Mexico (Baja) with BOOST.

Now do the math:

Boost Mobile Internet is about Dial-up speed but you don't really care for the price:

According to the Boostmobile.com website they charge you $.35/day for web access. In reality it's free because they don't track your traffic. I used to pay about $10/month for the data card and deactivated the web access for a few days while away on business in Europe. I returned and forgot to reactivate the web access on the website and guess what, it still works. So instead paying $10 for about 30 days, I pay now $10 every 90 days or about $3.33 per month.

The only issue I have sometimes with the Nextel network is that you can't use all websites that use HTTPS like sprint.com or some Bank sites. All other sites work just fine for me.

The only problem with the IM240 is the availability of the card. You have to look on ebay for some time before you find one.

I got my card about 4 months ago and have been looking for some additional cards for backup but not much luck. You can also use the IM1100, which is the other data card available for Nextel but that card needs to be charged and you can't use it 24/7 like I use my BOOST / Nextel card.

But even if you don't use a data card and got one of the new Nextel / Boost phones, the Internet is available to you for free! Just connect the phone with your PC (Windows XP may require the free Motorola driver - Vista works just fine) and you are almost done. All you need is to connect the phone via USB cable and establish a new dial-up connection. Leave username and password blank and the phone number will be: S=2 and welcome to the Internet.

Not even MetroPCS, Cricket and Co can beat Nextel / Boost, especially since MetroPCS in Los Angeles is just 1x and not even EVDO.
Jul 16, 2009
 Getting Nextel Prepaid Wireless Service
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Oliver - Your post is extremely useful; thank you! I hadn't heard of the IM240 data card. Do you still find it pretty useful despite it not being high speed broadband? I expect you do or you wouldn't have said you're still using it ;-).


SIM swapping definitely is a good suggestion. I believe that Boost will also allow you activate an old Nextel handset using a Boost starter kit. You can get these from dealers (or from their website). They come with $10 of credit. It's actually a good deal for Boost b/c they get a new activation without having to subsidize the purchase of a new handset. Even for zero subsidy phones, it's a lower cost of acquisition for them.


One thing to note, however, is that depending on the Nextel phone you have, and how it's provisioned, you may experience some issues with certain features. For example, my understanding is that MMS won't work properly on some Nextel handsets, and the message may not be deposited in the expected folder. You'll also be missing shortcuts to certain prepaid services like replenishment, etc., but I would expect you can probably live with such things.


But overall, the good news is that although Sprint doesn't directly sell Nextel prepaid wireless, you certainly have ways available to you to essentially get that service!
Jul 16, 2009
 Nextel Prepaid
by: Oliver

Sprint Nextel is directly not selling any prepaid accounts but their subsidiary BOOST MOBILE does. However, BOOST MOBILE is not activating all old Nextel phones (like i930 or IM240 Data Card) but you can circumvent this problem easily. As long you can get your hands on an BOOST labeled phone, you will be able to activate your SIM-card. After the activation, you can swap your SIM-card into the phone of your choice.

I have one i930 on BOOST and I use with another SIM a IM240 data card for backup Email. Both work well and I have a stable network. Best is that BOOST is not charging for data (don't check the daily Internet) for some reason. Could be that their SMS traffic is running on their packet system and they don't register the traffic.

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