Retain DMFL on 1st phone after # & minutes Xfer to 2nd phone?

[Scott in Boston]

I've searched the forums and could not find this particular scenario addressed. I'll try to phrase this as succinctly as possible...

I've had a Nokia 1100 w/AT&T SIM for 3.5 years. Great reliable cheap cell phone. I added a DMFL card to it a year or two ago. No need to retire it...only wished it had Bluetooth. Has an easy to remember number of my local area code.

On 6/25/2010, I took delivery of an LG 420g (has Bluetooth) ordered from TracFone online. Came with a DMFL card in the box. I added it upon activation. Tested phone and works with my car. Would like to keep it, but came with TMO SIM, which I would not like to keep. Does NOT have number of my local area code.

I emailed Elston Lombillo Sunday night, as well as left voice mails at his extension on Monday. He did not respond until this (Wednesday) morning, via email. In the meantime, I called Miami CS Tuesday afternoon, and was helped by "Juan." (Tues. evening I sent an update email to Elston, apprising him of my case's status & TKT# to avoid confusion).

Below is part of my email to Elston, which I also related to Juan on the phone. Juan was about to commence the minutes/airtime Xfer right away, but I stopped him, insisting I get the AT&T SIM first, and he obliged.

Juan initiated the first step, which is to ship me an AT&T SIM and assigned me a TKT#; when I receive the SIM, I assume I will need to call back with my TKT# (hopefully talk to Juan) to finish the process. TF CS website confirms SIM is being shipped.

The main point of this post pertains to item 3b) in my list below: Has anyone ever transferred #, minutes, from an active phone to a new phone, kept the old phone active, AND RETAINED DMFL on the old phone?


Here is the excerpt from my initial email to Elston:

"HERE IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE YOUR HELP WITH:

Could you please expedite this request to (in order of importance):

1) REPLACE THE SIM in my LG 420g with an AT&T SIM

2) TRANSFER MY NUMBER from my Nokia 1100 to my LG 420g...I do NOT want to LOSE this local number!

3) TRANSFER MY MINUTES AND SERVICE TIME from my Nokia 1100 to my LG 420g

3b) If it is possible, I would also like to keep the Nokia 1100 active, but still with an AT&T SIM and a different number, and the 52.50 minutes & 39 service days currently on my LG 420g, as well as the DMFL I added to it a year ago. Basically SWAPPING everything between the two phones EXCEPT both on AT&T. This would make my LG 420g my main phone, and I could use the Nokia 1100 as a backup. Both phones have DMFL."

[Cannonball-II]

I've searched the forums and could not find this particular scenario addressed. I'll try to phrase this as succinctly as possible...

I've had a Nokia 1100 w/AT&T SIM for 3.5 years. Great reliable cheap cell phone. I added a DMFL card to it a year or two ago. No need to retire it...only wished it had Bluetooth. Has an easy to remember number of my local area code.

On 6/25/2010, I took delivery of an LG 420g (has Bluetooth) ordered from TracFone online. Came with a DMFL card in the box. I added it upon activation. Tested phone and works with my car. Would like to keep it, but came with TMO SIM, which I would not like to keep. Does NOT have number of my local area code.

I emailed Elston Lombillo Sunday night, as well as left voice mails at his extension on Monday. He did not respond until this (Wednesday) morning, via email. In the meantime, I called Miami CS Tuesday afternoon, and was helped by "Juan." (Tues. evening I sent an update email to Elston, apprising him of my case's status & TKT# to avoid confusion).

Below is part of my email to Elston, which I also related to Juan on the phone. Juan was about to commence the minutes/airtime Xfer right away, but I stopped him, insisting I get the AT&T SIM first, and he obliged.

Juan initiated the first step, which is to ship me an AT&T SIM and assigned me a TKT#; when I receive the SIM, I assume I will need to call back with my TKT# (hopefully talk to Juan) to finish the process. TF CS website confirms SIM is being shipped.

The main point of this post pertains to item 3b) in my list below: Has anyone ever transferred #, minutes, from an active phone to a new phone, kept the old phone active, AND RETAINED DMFL on the old phone?


Here is the excerpt from my initial email to Elston:

"HERE IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE YOUR HELP WITH:

Could you please expedite this request to (in order of importance):

1) REPLACE THE SIM in my LG 420g with an AT&T SIM

2) TRANSFER MY NUMBER from my Nokia 1100 to my LG 420g...I do NOT want to LOSE this local number!

3) TRANSFER MY MINUTES AND SERVICE TIME from my Nokia 1100 to my LG 420g

3b) If it is possible, I would also like to keep the Nokia 1100 active, but still with an AT&T SIM and a different number, and the 52.50 minutes & 39 service days currently on my LG 420g, as well as the DMFL I added to it a year ago. Basically SWAPPING everything between the two phones EXCEPT both on AT&T. This would make my LG 420g my main phone, and I could use the Nokia 1100 as a backup. Both phones have DMFL."

When you do the transfer, the Nokia phone will automatically be deactivated!
You will need to get a new SIM card for it, then purchase an airtime card to reactivate it.
DMFL means Double Minutes for the Life of the Phone.

[Scott in Boston]

When you do the transfer, the Nokia phone will automatically be deactivated!
You will need to get a new SIM card for it, then purchase an airtime card to reactivate it.
DMFL means Double Minutes for the Life of the Phone.

Yes, I understand it will be automatically deactivated, which is why I tried to get high-level CS from the start.

My question still remains. Has anybody been successful in this scenario?

[Tracfancier]

The DMFL always stays with a phone, even thru multiple deactivation and reactivation. A new phone number requires a new SIM. When you move the days from a phone you de-activate it and another airtime card is required to reactivate it (they may try to apply this rule to both of your phones).

Because your request is so complicated you may end up with more minutes on the spare phone than you planned.

[tracnet]

3b) If it is possible, I would also like to keep the Nokia 1100 active, but still with an AT&T SIM and a different number, and the 52.50 minutes & 39 service days currently on my LG 420g, as well as the DMFL I added to it a year ago. Basically SWAPPING everything between the two phones EXCEPT both on AT&T. This would make my LG 420g my main phone, and I could use the Nokia 1100 as a backup. Both phones have DMFL."

You cannot do a perfect swap between 2 fones, like you are wanting, without using a third fone as a bank of sorts. Transfer everything from the 420 to the "bank" (3rd) fone. Transfer everything from the 1100 to the 420. Last of all transfer the "bank" fone to the 1100. Makes for a complicated and long drawn out process that will likely result in you pulling your hair out. But, yes, it can be done. OR I guess it may be possible to get a super csr at corporate to do it............but I highly doubt it.

As others have stated - the DMFL will stay with the fone it was added to, for the life of the fone.

[Scott in Boston]

As others have stated - the DMFL will stay with the fone it was added to, for the life of the fone.

1) So, from TracFone's perspective, "for the life of the fone" DMFL remains in spite of (likely temporary) deactivation and reactivation w/new SIM+number?

2) And just for the sake of argument (after I got my AT&T SIM, days & minutes transferred into the LG 420g), let's say I just forget about the Nokia 1100...leave it on the street (or on a barstool in Cupertino!). Total stranger picks it up, contacts TF to get it working, they send him a new SIM...would it retain DMFL?

3) Before initiating this process, I had been concerned TF would refuse to let me reactivate the Nokia 1100, since it's an older phone they no longer offer.

[weiden1]

Scott: It seems you are making this more complicated than it is. When you are ready (with ATT sim) move everything to the LG 420g. The 1100 will be deactivated. Go on line and order a new sim card for it. Click Service & Support/Technical Support. When you get the new sim for your 1100 (you will also need to buy minutes) then reactive it. It will retain the DMFL cause its for the operating life of the phone.

Trac loves for phones to be reactived - they are selling minutes and making money. Have done this many, many times.

[tracnet]

1) So, from TracFone's perspective, "for the life of the fone" DMFL remains in spite of (likely temporary) deactivation and reactivation w/new SIM+number?

2) And just for the sake of argument (after I got my AT&T SIM, days & minutes transferred into the LG 420g), let's say I just forget about the Nokia 1100...leave it on the street (or on a barstool in Cupertino!). Total stranger picks it up, contacts TF to get it working, they send him a new SIM...would it retain DMFL?

3) Before initiating this process, I had been concerned TF would refuse to let me reactivate the Nokia 1100, since it's an older phone they no longer offer.

1. Yes. Exactly.

2. Yes it would retain DMFL.

3. What weiden1 said.

[Tracfancier]

1) So, from TracFone's perspective, "for the life of the fone" DMFL remains in spite of (likely temporary) deactivation and reactivation w/new SIM+number?

2) And just for the sake of argument (after I got my AT&T SIM, days & minutes transferred into the LG 420g), let's say I just forget about the Nokia 1100...leave it on the street (or on a barstool in Cupertino!). Total stranger picks it up, contacts TF to get it working, they send him a new SIM...would it retain DMFL?

3) Before initiating this process, I had been concerned TF would refuse to let me reactivate the Nokia 1100, since it's an older phone they no longer offer.

1- DMFL is associated with a phones S/N, not a SIM card or phone number. S/N never changes.

2- There is the possibility a question of the phones ownership may surface when the "new owner" tries to activate the phone.

3- Here is a simple procedure to check if a phone can still be activated/re-activated ON-LINE:
1)click on https://www.tracfone.com/direct/ebiz...!1279770318848
2)click on "new custoner" (on the left)
3)Scroll down and click on "click here" (right under submit button)
4)Scroll down and click on your brand of phone
5)If you see your phone you are good to go

[Scott in Boston]

(SEE OP FOR FULL CONTEXT)

<snip> ...I called Miami CS Tuesday afternoon, and was helped by "Juan."
<snip>
Juan initiated the first step, which is to ship me an AT&T SIM and assigned me a TKT#; when I receive the SIM, I assume I will need to call back with my TKT# (hopefully talk to Juan) to finish the process. TF CS website confirms SIM is being shipped.
<snip>

UPDATE:
AT&T SIM was waiting for me upon arrival at home Thursday evening. Juan from TF called my landline Friday eve, Sat. morning, while I was out and left VMs...that he would call back on Monday. Finally connected when "Carlos" called Wednesday around noon. I ensured he knew the entire situation (his mission was to complete the xfer of # & min. to LG420g). He did confirm that I could let the Nokia 1100 remain UNactivated for a month or so, and upon reactivation w/new SIM, it would retain DMFL. So, I decided to hold off reactivating it for now.
First, he confirmed the phone number I wanted on the LG, then had me clear the values off the Nokia using Code Entry Mode. Then, he asked me to turn off the LG, then back on. While the LG was booting up, he explained that it might take 72 hours for all the minutes & service days to show up on the phone, and to call TF if it hadn't taken place in three days...while he was explaining this, the minutes AND service days appeared in succession on the display...all present & accounted for.

Also, a solid 5 bars, and a little "E" where the telephone pole icon was, which I had seen in the early days of operation on TMO (even a "G" once), but hadn't seen anymore since the first 10 days or so. Now I see the "E" all the time...but it's only been a few days.

I asked whether the Nokia would still be able to make 911 calls, and Carlos said "YES." When he hung up, I still saw a maximum signal strength on the Nokia, though it showed "0.0 minutes" and service until "1/1/2001." Then, within seconds, the signal strength went to nothing...where it has remained. In Prepaid menu, it still shows its old number, which is no longer valid on it. I tried a short test to see if anything would happen by dialing 911 and ending the call after one second...for that brief period, the display showed "attempting emergency call" but I seriously doubt it would go through if the signal indicator is truthful. So, I suppose a deactivated phone with a xferred number is no good. {Anyone know a way to test this without actually making a call?) Bummer. Thought it might be nice to keep charged & in the car just in case. I am now rethinking my original plan to reactivate this little trooper, in favor of purchasing an LG220c or similar (on Verizon) as my spare...best of both coverage worlds...and not activate until needed. Since reactivating the Nokia would cost at least $10 for airtime, I might as well put that $$ toward a bundled DMFL phone on the other network.

One thing: the clock on the LG 420g now is almost 2 min. slow...on TMO it was right on...it must get a time signal from the network, since there's no manual control I can find. The Nokia's clock was manually set, and constantly lost time...also, its alarm function was wacky...going off hours before it was supposed too...I used it on a trip once, and it kept waking me up as soon as I would fall asleep...it was good as a phone, though!

All in all, the process was MUCH SIMPLER than I had feared...there was no hassle from TF requiring proof that I needed an AT&T SIM at all. This is what made me delay the request. Thanks everyone for their input--in this thread and others, ESPECIALLY the "CS Miami" number--I'll NEVER call regular CS again--calling "TF Corporate" I never had to wade through a voice menu, always spoke to a human being, and would only be transferred once. Great service.

[Lisme]

DMFL is permanently attached to the serial number. I have a Nokia 2600 that I rarely activate, but it always does its DMFL thing.

It is a requirement that cell phones be able to call 911, even if the phone is not active and even if it has no sim card installed. So the signal strength will show zero because there is no official connection, but there really is a signal. Of course, there has to be battery power.

[jp4u2k]

The DMFL always stays with a phone, even thru multiple deactivation and reactivation. A new phone number requires a new SIM. When you move the days from a phone you de-activate it and another airtime card is required to reactivate it (they may try to apply this rule to both of your phones).

Because your request is so complicated you may end up with more minutes on the spare phone than you planned.

They actually removed mine and it was a new card i added to it months ago. I reactivated it and wham only non double mins hit it. I was super upset and they ended up giving me 50 extra mins doubling it. Then when i bought more mins wham still no double! I am sick of dealing with them...

[Mosaic55]

Double minutes feature SHOULD stay with a phone. From the reports here I guess it usually works that way, but I once had to fight to get DMFL put back on a phone after reactivation. It's probably better if it's one of the models that comes with DMFL by default. If you add a DMFL card to a non-DMFL phone, keep the card just in case you need the evidence later.

[jp4u2k]

I had my cell DMFL from the start it was default on it. It was already programmed before i opened the package. So i have no clue why they would remove it unless they are trying to make more money on random people. How many people want to fight them to get it fixed? I bet a bunch of people either deal with it or buy another cell phone with DMFL. I hate how hard it is to get anything fixed with these prepaid companies.

[25jive1]

This is one of the reasons I've scaled back my Tracfone participation considerably. DMFL only gets your CPM close to where the rest of the market is. It should be standard on every Trac. If you add it to a phone or its programmed in to it it should remain forever and not have to deal with some furniner with selective understanding of the English language to get it straightened out.

IMO its just a money maker for Trac...charging for something that should be normal procedure and free.