How do I swap an iphone 3GS for an iphone 4?

[BibiThree]

I have an iPhone 3GS on contract (had it 5 months), dh is with the same provider but on pay as you go. I want a new iPhone 4 and DH wants to take on my 'old' one.

The fella in the Orange shop said he could take out a contract in his name for the iPhone 4, then we could just swap handsets/sims ... is it that easy? Does the new iPhone 4 have a different sim?

Please help?! I can't upgrade for another 12 months!

I would expect it is that easy, since you are both on Orange.

Some networks are allowing a customer to switch to a 4G iPhone by trading in the remainder of their contract at 20 pounds a month, and then paying pounds (but assume lot$ to get the iPhone 4G. That would mean you'd be expected to pay at least 240 pounds for remaining contract and then buy the iPhone 4G on top.

The chap in the Orange shop has given a perfectly practical suggestion as your DH should be able (depending on what model you want) to pay less than they might charge for someone switching contract, and you save the 240 pound penalty for terminating existing contract early.

The only thing you will need to remember is to keep all the packaging and notes about which SIM goes with which Phone (find out the IMEI) in case one or other develops a problem. At such a time, the flexibility at Orange might be a bit strained so DH ringing about the 3G phone they know was on your contract would perhaps ring alarm bells, and similarly for the 4G phone - they'd be expecting him to phone in case of any problems.

The iPhone4 uses a micro sim which is a smaller sim than the ones used with a 3G and 3GS.

Yes the sims would be the only problem, DH would have to use your current sim and number and you would get a new one, because the iPhone4 uses a micro sim so you can't swap them over, but if you're happy enough doing that then I don't see a problem with it.

They're fab btw, the iPhone4's I got mine yesterday and am in love with it

Thanks LDBL - didn't know the new iPhone uses the microSIM.

However there was a mention of how to cut down a SIM to make it a microSIM on a thread here a few weeks ago (one of the first about the iPad).

Yes, it needs a firm hand and something sharp to do the cutting, but can be done!

Best go back to the Orange shop and talk to the same chap - ask whether he can arrange a swap to/from microSIM to make his suggestion work with the different handsets.

After all, he was suggesting it would be possible, so maybe he can 'make it so' - esp if you go in with DH and the chap gets the commission from signing up DH on this iPhone 4 contract.