Buying phone for use with CDMA network, which one

[Corksil]

Hey I want to switch out of verizon because there is a carrier in my area that is much cheaper for many more features.

I have no credit, so i cannot get the discounted htc desire phone for 190usd with a new contract.

i have to go month to month, which is not a problem - except the service provider wants to charge me 400usd for the phone.

i think it would be much cheaper to just buy an htc desire off of ebay or something like that.

i am fine with buying a used phone from someone, but i am getting really confused on what i need.

the service provider is vague in their terms, apparently i need an htc desire that
-works on CDMA networks
-uses EV_DO revision A
-does not have a SIM card

they told me that if i bring them an HTC desire with those qualifications, i could use it with their network. I may have to pay 50 bucks to 're-flash' it or something, but it bringing in my own phone still seems cheaper than paying 400usd for a new phone without a contract.

it seems like there are a bunch of different htc desire phones, and they have different network compatibility.

my question is....
- how can i make sure a CDMA HTC Desire phone without a SIM card bought off of ebay will be compatible with the new service provider?

thanks

 

[amlothi]

My unlocked, unbranded HTC Desire that I bought online (with no contract) cost me $550 USD at the time I bought it. I'm not sure you will be able to find a new HTC Desire that is much cheaper than $350 online.

It would also need to be an unlocked phone. Unlocked CDMA phones aren't that popular. Not as easy to switch carriers as just popping in/out a SIM card.

 

[dannylill1981]

as long as you buy a cdma desire and not a gsm desire you should be ok.