Cell Phone geeks... I need help.

[saggs]

Bear with me here, hopefully I can explain this coherently.

I got a T-Mobile smart phone (Galaxy Exhibit 4g), using a prepaid plan for the last 18 months or so.  Been happy with their service and plan until I moved to Fairbanks from Utah 5-6 months ago.  T-Mobile does not have a network in AK, so I've still been paying the same to T-Mobile, except up here I'm always roaming on AT&T or GCI, and I don't get the data that I'm paying for (voice and text only)

So after looking around up here for a few months I've decided the best deal for me is the Straight Talk prepaid plan on AT&T network.  I also would like to keep my old phone (I see no reason to spend $200+ on a new phone, and I don't want a contract plan.)
 
I've talked with the yokels at Wal-Mart (wasn't very useful) and been reading stuff online (slightly more useful) but I'm still only about 75% sure this will work.

So here is where it gets complicated. Straight talk sells 2 types of sim cards for those who want to bring their own phone, AT&T compatible sim cards, and T-Mobile compatible sim cards.  Well, since T-Mobile has no network here, I think I need to get the AT&T compatible sim card right...  except it's going into a T-Mobile phone.  From what I've read online this will work if I get an "unlock" code from T-Mobile for my phone.  However in looking at pictures of T-Mobile vs AT&T sim cards they seem to have a different contact pattern on the back, so now I'm confused again.



To summarize; Can I "unlock" a T-Mobile phone, and use it with an AT&T sim card on AT&T network?


EDIT: Remembered another question now;  Can I keep my same phone number with Straight Talk/AT&T?  I think that everyone allows you to do this now, but Straight Talk does not mention it on their website.

[ROC]

I've had great results with AT&T.  Just call them, or hit the help chat on their website. They will answer your questions, probably do what you need while you wait. For that matter, try and talk them out of a free phone

[Selino631]

You don't get access to the Data plan through T-Mobile? When i was living in Fairbanks i was using Verizon (they don't towers in AK as well) and i had full Data coverage and rarely had dropped calls. Do you plan to be traveling at all back to the Lower 48 anytime soon? if so it'd probably be better to stick with a larger cell provider such as AT&T that way you will have coverage while on your travels.

[Hoarach]

It should work.  ATT and T-mobile use the same bands and their phones are supposed to be interchangeable.  Just need get the phone unlocked.  You should be able to call up T-mobile and say Ive been with your service x amount of months and due to lack of service in my area I am switching carriers.  There should be no problem with them unlocking it for you.