Cell phone security risk?

Q: I have a Motorola Razr V3, and I am looking to have it unlocked, but I am concerned with the nature of the information requested by some online service providers. Should I be concerned if someone requests my IMEI in order to unlock my phone? Is there any information that I should avoid providing?
--Andrew

A: For readers that don't know, IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. All GSM and UMTS phones have an IMEI, which is a 15-digit number that identifies a cell phone for use on a particular carrier's network. The advantage of an IMEI is that it helps protect your cell phone if it is stolen. Once you report it missing, your carrier can blacklist the phone's IMEI, so even if a new SIM card is inserted, it will be useless. You can find your phone's IMEI by looking on or behind the battery or by typing *#06# on your keypad.

Now, on to your question: Personally, I wouldn't be at all worried about handing over your phone's IMEI. It's needed to unlock a cell phone, and unless someone has access to your carrier's records, it doesn't automatically link to any vital personal information. As with any transaction, I would be hesitant to give out my social security number or anything comparable, but if you think the online service is reputable, go ahead and do it.

Switching SIMs, part II
Q: I am currently using a Boost Mobile Motorola phone. I would like to get a Motorola Razr V3, and I have been told that I should be able to just place my SIM card in the new phone and everything will transfer, including my old phone number. Is this possible?
--tripites

A: Unfortunately, this won't work. All Boost Mobile phones such as the Motorola i860 operate over Nextel's iDEN network, whereas the Motorola Razr V3 is a GSM phone, which is the network used by Cingular and T-Mobile. Although both phones take SIM cards, they operate on different networks and are not compatible.

Accessorize your phone
Q: I want to buy some changeable faceplates for my cell phone. Do any of these affect the manufacturer's warranty or reception? What are the pros and cons, and can you recommend the best places to buy these products?
--WpG

A: While we advise against buying cell phone batteries from someone other than the mobile's manufacturer, I don't see a problem buying a faceplate from a third party. In fact, they're usually much cheaper and are more varied in style and color than the covers from your carrier or manufacturer. From what I've seen, they don't affect manufacturer warranties, and unless they're made of some strange metal, they won't interfere with your reception. We've compiled a list of cell phones that support changeable covers.

Mobiles for the military

Q: My son will be going to Iraq with the Army. I want to get him a cell phone so that we can keep in touch but am unsure which one I should buy and what kind of plan to get. Do you have any suggestions?
--Mary

A: Let me begin by saying I wish your son a safe tour of duty in Iraq. Though cell phones were almost nonexistent under Saddam Hussein, use has grown since the establishment of the carrier Iraqna last year. The national cellular network is far from developed, though, so I can't guarantee with any certainty its effectiveness. That said, since Iraq uses GSM, you'll need to get a GSM phone. Just make sure you get a true world phone, which is a handset that supports the 900 and 1800 bands. If you want the mobile to work back home, it will need to support the 850 or 1900 bands as well; if it has both, all the better. For more detailed information on international phones, check out CNET's quick guide to world phones.

Since I gather your son will be making most of his calls back to the United States, I would first suggest a calling plan from a U.S. carrier that comes with international service. Cingular and T-Mobile both have plans that offer coverage in Iraq, so I would start there. Just keep in mind that coverage in the country will vary widely. You should also inquire if the carriers offer discounted plans for soldiers. If they don't, I definitely think that's something they should do. I also wonder whether the military has any special benefits for cell phone use abroad. If any readers know of any options, I'd love to hear about them. TalkBack to me.