vB Easy Archive - Cloneing SIMs Legal?

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Cloneing SIMs Legal?
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Posted by: BadlandZ

PLEASE NOTE IANAL!

I've been reading a bit about SIM's lately, trying to get a more complete understanding of how they work, why, etc... I was considering a "Dual SIM Back" for my phone so I could have my work phone number, and a "Pay As You Go" number for personal use.

Then I ran across some SIM Cloneing info, and it seems it's legal to clone your own SIM? Aparently, there is some confusion, and I think I might understand it now, but I wanted to check.

First, "Double SIM Backs" seem to be ok, and I've even seen one referance to a triple SIM back in my searches. But, beyond that, it appears the way to get there is by cloneing.

There are two potential LEGAL reasons to clone a SIM, AFAIK. First would be to allow you to use two phones. However, you can't have them both on at the same time. The first referance I find about this basically says, once you turn one on, the other one get's kicked off the network. This makes sence, because you only paid for ONE line, so you can't have it both ways. But, I did find a referance to someone recently getting a call from the phone companies security department when he was using his cloaned SIM. So, obviously, it's not that simple.

The second reason I am aware of is to allow a user to have multiple plans on the same phone. There are some kits I found that allow you to have from Eight Diffrent up to Tweleve Diffrent SIM's combined onto one single card.

I've managed to collect about a couple dozen diffrent links to diffrent companies selling SIM readers, SIM writers, and blank programable SIM cards. Has anyone here used any of this stuff?

Aparently, the only thing I have came across that is illegal is cloneing someone elses SIM to try to use their service (clearly STEALING service from someone, and SHOULD be illegal!). But, it seems that the phone companies are quite aware this can happen, and that's exactly why they monitor and kick off (and frequently LOCK OUT) any plans when they find two phones on at the same time responding with the same codes.

So, it's legal, right? Or am I understanding this wrong? It might be cool to have my "main" plan on my SIM, as well as a couple experimental "Pay As You Go" plans on the SIM to test out other providers as I travel around the country.

(Moderators Note, It is my understanding this is legal. If you find strongly it's not legal then delete this thread. Don't ban me, I'm just asking about something I don't understand fully, and want to know more about)

Posted by: 5510Man

I'm looking for an nice cloned t-mobile card!!! jp7@canoemail.com

Posted by: SimplyOrange

at the end are you wanting to have your Main plan and a few other pay as you go plans on the same sim(8-1)?

that im sure you can do since its being sold and that its much like creating a back up cd for private/personal use. in the double/triple back sims and 8-1 sims they allow the phone to have those sims without taking them out and reinserting them but they can only be used one at a time. ie. phone must be turned off and on to get the other sim to load.

just dont have them on at the same time if your using the original sim and the copied at the same time. as you said the provider will infact come a knocking. having the network just kick one off and let the other continue is ridiculous. they'll prbly kick/lock the number out and check with the owner to see whats happening.

*am not positive if cloning is legal but just dont go showing it off to ppl. also i think the 8-1 sim is like $100+ or so and at your risk of damaging the sim.

Posted by: BadlandZ

Quote:

Originally posted by SimplyOrange
at the end are you wanting to have your Main plan and a few other pay as you go plans on the same sim(8-1)?

that im sure you can do since its being sold and that its much like creating a back up cd for private/personal use. in the double/triple back sims and 8-1 sims they allow the phone to have those sims without taking them out and reinserting them but they can only be used one at a time. ie. phone must be turned off and on to get the other sim to load.

Yea, that's exactly what I want to do. SPECIFICALY:

On weekends and at nights, I would like to set my work number OFF. (reboot the phone, choose the personal phone number SIM).

During work, I want to set my personal number to forward to my work number, and then boot the phone with the "WORK" phone number SIM.

It's sort of my way to break the "electronic leash" that work has put on me. Now days, they let me use my phone for personal use, but that means I answer it at 9PM, and it COULD be work related, so I answer it thinking it's a friend, and BANG, I'm working.

But, if, with just one phone, one cheap personal plan, and not adding the bulky dual back, and not having to switch SIM's twice a day, I get what I want.

Posted by: SimplyOrange

yeah i know what you mean, i dont like carrying two phones.
well im sure someone may have either heard or even tried the 8-1sim since that specific sim type was talked about in here.

i cant be sure if its legal or not, but as long as you dont bring in the phone to your providers for repair or something (with the 8-1) then you shouldnt have anything to worry about with the providers.

your just gonna have to risk the equipment(that comes w/the 8-1) and your sims when copying.

Here found the thread, have you seen this already, i cant remember if there anything very useful but here it is.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...&threadid=36660