[Cookie Crunch]

So you see the phones on Ebay; let's say, the Blackberry Bold. So you can buy it for x amount and when you get it you can just put in your own simcard? Be it pay as you go or contract I don't suppose it matters unless the phone is locked to a certain network right?

I'm very confused

[prking]

With a Blackberry, they are not much use without a Blackberry data contract. Almost any other SIM-Free phone will work fine though it might be limited by the version of software installed on it.

[SuddenImpulse]

When you take out a contract, what you're mainly paying for is the right to use that number for 12, 18 or 24 months. The phone is little more than a bonus. The networks don't really mind what handset the sim card goes in.

So in the case of ebay, as long as the phone you want to get is open to your particular network, it's exactly as you say, put the sim card in and you're done.

[legends wear 7]

If you have insurance on your account you should cancel it, to the best of my knowledge none of the networks policies will cover phones purchased on ebay