Is there any way of telling what handset I am using from my phone number?

[stavroshamster]

My handset got smashed because of an idiot yesterday (http://forums.hexus.net/general-disc...edestrian.html)

I'm not that bothered about the phone, apart from the fact that in the T&Cs from mobiles.co.uk it says that I should maintain the same handset throughout the contract otherwise I am not able to claim my cashback on my contract (We got 14 months free via cashback).

I have put my sim into a different phone and just wondered whether there was any way of the company telling which model handset I am using (e.g. by cross-referencing the phone number on the bill I have to send them every three months with information held by my contact provider). I am not sure if this is even possible? Any thoughts?

[Rob_B]

Kinda, the network can easily see the IMEI (and therefore make/model) of what handset you use, they shouldn't release that information to anyone apart from yourself (or authorities) due to data protection though so if they did find out it would be in breach of the act.

[stavroshamster]

I suspected that the IMEI might give it away - but you seem to have confirmed that they shouldn't have access to that number - are you positive that's the case?

I am considering buying a replacement LCD for the phone off ebay (LG cookie) now anyway to try and fix it.

[jimborae]

Nope they won't & and can't have access to the toll ticket records (which link your number to your imei number). You will be fine.

[stavroshamster]

Okay - that's good to know.

Just taken my phone apart and it would be pretty easy to replace the screen - so I will probably give it a go as the phone seems to be working otherwise.

[Rob_B]

Unless the network give it to them, which they shouldn't by law, but it could happen (no matter how unlikely/illegal)

It's probably in the t&cs just in case they need to wangle out of anything, personally I wouldn't worry but thats just my opinion

[peterb]

I think you should read the T&Cs of your contract carefully - there may be an explicit clause saying that they can release certain data - and I'm not sure that linking an IMEI number to a phone number necessarily would fall under the provisions of the data protection act. Linking a number to a person might as it could be classed as personally sensitive data. However, I am not a lwyer, but I think it would be safer to assume that the two can vbe linked, legally, by the service provider, possibly under the provision "to prevent fraud".

[Carlh]

In all honesty I have just had to claim on my phone insurance for a lost phone. They sent a standard claim form which asked for model number and also wanted a copy of the dispatch note which included the imei number.

[mightymouse]

i remembered using a three sim into my 8800 for a week and they sent me a msg saying that I was not allowed to use this phone. This was simply because they had to pay o2 for piggy backing on their 2G network. But in your case I cant see why they would want to prevent you to use their services and I cant see where they will loose out