Using unlocked foreign phone with Cingular

Arch Guru XX

So my current phone is slowly dying on me, and ever since I saw one I've been interested in the Motorola Moto Z8, but of course they've not been released in the US and there are no reported plans to release them here. There are plenty of unlocked ones available for purchase online, but I have no experience with using a non-network unlocked phone with an existing network. If I buy one and just pop out my ATT wireless SIM card and stick it in one of these, it should work, yes? The phone is compatible with the GSM network used by ATT Wireless, so no worries there. Would I be able to use the email features of the phone? That's kind of a crucial piece for me so if that's a no-go I'd pass on this.

Basically, other than the obvious lack of support from the wireless company, what are the risks of using a non-network phone like this?

KMFurDM

The phone will work just fine.

If there are special AT&T settings that need to be set for stuff like Internet you will want to check that, but for making phone calls, sending SMS and MMS messages you will be fine. I use my unlocked Vodafone smartphone with T-Mobile in the US and it works like a charm. Ditto when I amaze my friends by putting their AT&T SIM in my phone or the Vodafone pre-paid SIM I bought in Holland.

Edit...

Check here...

http://www.motox.info/

...here...

http://www.motomodders.net/

...and here...

http://www.howardforums.com/

Between those three you should be able to find compatibility with AT&T and settings that may need to be adjusted on your new phone.

embrik

Yep, just pop the card in and go. For the AT&T internet settings, just check out Motorola's FAQ for that info.

Edit: Of course, the menu selections may be different. That FAQ they listed is for the Ming, but the settings are the important part.