What is Unlocked Cell Phone
Many of us must be aware of the concept of unlocked cell phones. These are becoming more and more common and a growing number of people are using today. With unlocked cell phones, one has the freedom to use a particular mobile phone on any network. To have a clear idea of what an unlocked cell phone is, you must first understand what a cell phone is locked. A locked phone is a phone that is tied or “locked” to a specific service provider and can only be used on the network provided for them. On the other hand, an unlocked cell phone is a phone that is not linked or “closed” to any service provider and can be used with service providers around the world different. Closed phones only work with the subscriber identification module (SIM) provided by the service provider to which cell phone is locked. You can use different SIM cards locked phone, provided that they belong to the service company that has provided the cell phone. If the cell phone is more open, then you can recognize and work with any SIM card, regardless of service provider.
An example will help to understand better: “AT & T ‘and’ Sprint ‘are two major service providers. A cell phone’ locked ‘to’ AT & T” or the SIM card is provided by AT & T, it only works with AT & T SIM cards. SIM cards from other vendors, such as’ Sprint ‘, etc’ to Verizon, the phone will not work. But if the phone provided by AT & T is unlocked, can be used with other SIM cards provided by ‘Sprint’ or any other service provider. Similarly, the phones provided by ‘Sprint’ can not be used with AT & T SIM card or any other service provider for that matter, until it unlocked.
Service providers often enter into a contract with manufacturers of cell phones, and get a certain built-in cell phones, which disables the use of other networks on their phones. In the U.S., the Apple iPhone works only on the AT & T. You can not use the iPhone with other service providers like Sprint or Verizon. But once unlocked, can be used with SIM cards belonging to any service provider.
If you need a multi-featured mobile phone that is tied into a contract with a service provider, and is not available with other systems, you may need one to buy with a plan, then unlock it. This is considered an option for people who need the same cell phone locked, but with a different service provider. However, as most providers have a 2 year contract with early termination clauses, this can be an expensive option. Mobile phones operating on CDMA networks can not be unlocked. However, locked mobile phones work on GSM networks can be unlocked. There are also disadvantages of using unlocked cell phones. If the service provider offers exclusive facilities such as 3G and GPS on their cell phones high end, these features do not work in an unlocked cell phone, or other service provider. In some cases, helping service providers unlock the phone if the contract is completed successfully, or if you travel outside the country.
Unlocking a mobile phone in private, without informing the respective service provider, may be illegal in some countries. However, mobile phone manufacturers can also offer unlocked cell phone for sale on its website or leave the company. If they do, surely has a good chance to buy the phone I’ve been thinking about opening.
Processing your request, Please wait....
