Can anyone help? Daughter lost phone - on contract with orange but wants blackberry - is best bet to buy sim free blackberry curve 8900 (about £300) unless anyone knows cheaper - then would it be possible to use original contract and add £5 bundle so can use internet, browsing, data unlimited etc? Or can anyone suggest alternative - the cheapest!! Thanks

You need to contact the old network and ask for a replacement sim card. Assuming they will send you this, I would guess that the contract will continue and it is for you to buy a phone and put the sim card into it. It is up to the network what options and bundles they offer for your particular contract. The network may also be able to block any further use of the lost phone (they may need the IMEI number to do this - it is printed on the original box for the phone).

Personally I would be very hesitant about giving a £300 phone to someone who has just lost another phone. You ask if anyone knows cheaper (is this what you want to hear?) but the last time I was in CarPhoneWarehouse, they had some phone for £5 that would take any sim card.

Just to add, you don't make it clear if the sim was in the lost phone. If it was, have you told Orange to block the sim so you don't receive a massive bill you are liable for? If you still have the sim then there's no problem BUT you are asking a question - would it be possible... - which should be addressed to Orange and there may be information in the t&cs that came with the contract.

If your daughter is to be given or wants to purchase a Blackberry, £300+ does seem to be around the market rate for a new one. You could have a look at ebay for used one.

Frankly I am amazed that you intend to reward your daughter for losing her 'phone! If she wants a blackberry, tell her to pay for it - perhaps she will be less negligent.