[Mogul, XV6800 ROM Development] wyreless:
I tried to add ALLTEL PPC6800, Wasted 2 Days

Unfortunately, I had the exact opposite experience as the previous poster. I got a brand new ALLTEL PPC 6800 off Ebay. Did the flashing and the preparation and the phone was ready for VZW. Started off with call to regular support 1800-924-0204 to get the ball rolling. I knew they would be worthless but you need start somewhere. The gentleman tried to load it, said it came back as a NON VZW ESN and nothing he could do. I then asked , and got, Tier 3 Support. I told the gentleman the situation. He stated, " I have tried before and gotten nowhere.But I will try again" He tried and he got exactly where he stated, nowhere. He said he did not have the ability and asked his superiors and they did not have the ability. This subject was bounced around the support / switch room for about an hour.

Finally everyone gave up and said I could try submitting it for the Non VZW Equipment program (discussed in several threads here and elsewhere) or I could try going to a corporate store so the Manager could see the phone and then maybe he could call and get the phone added. The main problem they stated (I heard this several places BTW) is that the ALLTEL PPC6800 is not approved as a DATA device from ALLTEL. They have a list and Memo that states what ALLTEL devices are approved and that they can add to the system and the PPC6800 is not approved. It is not just omitted, it states the PPC6800 is not approved for use on VZW.

Here is the deal, I can only assume that it can be done as others state they have done it. Like many things when dealing with Wireless, what one person gets done out of the norm does certainly not guarantee you will. I have over 20 years in the Wireless industry and no how to talk to these people. I also consider myself a fairly adept "social engineer"/ I could NOT get it done. Maybe a few people got lucky and got in touch with people who could, and did, add an ESN into the System. I could not find that person. PERIOD

Now, this will really make some action. I finally got a the Product Manager who tried and tried, calling his "buds" up and asking around. He actually found a Memo that said if a customer was to bring an ALLTEL DATA device in to activate a New acct, they were to take it in and swap out for a new phone of equal value. He said after all the crap and time I had spent, and patience I had shown dealing with him, "come on in and Ill swap you out a XV6800"

Needless to say the car was moving before he hung up the phone. And he did exactly what he stated, gave me a brand new XV6800 in the box, and I handed him a used out of the box ALLTEL PPC6800 without battery, stylus, charger or battery door. Yes I lucked out.

Now can you pull that off? Doubtful. First off, even if the memo can be found, it clearly states for a NEW ACTIVATION, I found a flat out cool guy, and luckily a cool guy with authority. The whole time this transpired the front end person was going "I don't believe this, I don't know how he is going to get away with this, Man you sure are lucky" and then he had to make about 5-6 trips back to the rear for computer over rides and help. At one point in time the Store manager had to come give an over ride and I over heard him say, Hey that's his deal, if xxxx wants to do it, let him do so, he is the tech manager. not my problem!"

Sorry for the dissertation. But I felt it only fair to give you a detailed story on how it can NOT happen, i.e adding the ALLTEL ESN to VZWs DMD (Device Management Database) which is the obstacle to the whole thing.

I wish you well.

EDIT: Yes I posted this same story in another FORUM in response to someone asking the same question. I figured it applies here and I should spread the knowedge. Like I said, it evidently can be done., But I know how these things can go. I hate to see someone read about this in a forum and spend a whole lot of time thinking "Hey, a few attempts and I'll get the right guy" I made MORE then a few attempts. It is not like getting an activation fee waived "Just keep calling until you get the right rep and they'll take it off" This is more like calling the White House and telling them you have a quick question for the President. LOL