Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jumponit]

I currently live in Canada and use a Blackberry 9700. I would like to continue using a Blackberry so I can use BBM to keep in touch with my friends and family while teaching in Korea.

From my understanding, Korea's network uses CDMA, can someone confirm/elaborate?

According to GSM Arena, the blackberry 9700 works with
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100

Will it not work? But I read somewhere that KT sells the Blackberry 9700 so I'm a little confused.

If the 9700 won't work in Korea, which model currently available will? Or do I have to wait for the unreleased CDMA versions? (http://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_roadmap_leaks_touch_screens_hd_video_and_nfc_ahead-news-2266.php)


And finally, I read the announcement that foreign bought phones can now be used in Korea, assuming I bring a blackberry, how much do monthly data plans cost?

Thank you for any light you can shed on this inquiry

[sheriffadam]

[ttompatz]

It'll work fine for roaming (with your Canadian plan).

It WILL be a (major) nuisance to try to get a Korean number for it.

.

[freddy teacher]

I hate to be one of those dave's lifers that immediately points out the fact that there are 100 threads on this topic already, but, you get the point.

anyway, i used a koean 9000 in korea last year with SKT. I have a Canadian 9700 i plan on bringing to korea. My gf advised me to just make sure it is unlocked and i should be ready to rock.

[Drew10]

Korea uses a WCDMA network if i remember right.

The new regs are still...pretty brand new, so I don't have much experience with them. Your best bet would be to buy a Blackberry here in my opinion. It would save you headaches and time.

[freddy teacher]

easier said than done, especially if you already have one like myself.

brand new 9700 is like 1,300,000w brand new. you can try to find a used one, but you're still spending 450,000w+ on it.

I doubt rim would make a 9700 with WCDMA only for Ktown. Send me a msg in 3 weeks and ill let u know if my 9700 works in korea.

[Drew10]

Connecting phones brought from outside of Korea is also easier said than done. Since the changes in the regs came out though...I'm hoping you have better luck than I think you will.

I'm interested to see who from Dave's gets the first foreign phone registered here.

[freddy teacher]

well to be honest with you, im not the one that will be doing it. im gonna hand my blackberry to my gf and im sure she'll take care of everything...