Why Buy an Unlocked Cell Phone?

If you're on a GSM network, like T-Mobile or AT&T Mobility, you've probably heard the term 'unlocked cell phone' and wondered what it meant. Typically, it means that your cell phone can work on any other GSM network worldwide, with very few restrictions. It also may mean that you have more freedom with your cell phone service provider, because that cell phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) is not registered.

This article will help you understand the different terms around unlocked cell phones, what you can do with an unlocked cell phone, and why a unlocked cell phone might be the right phone for you.

A phone that has been unlocked is available for use on another carrier, and since it is an unregistered SIM, may not have the same requirements that other subscribers on that carrier require. For example, if you get an unlocked Smartphone such as a BlackBerry Curve and went with AT&T's service, you would not have to get a data plan, so long as that IMEI wasn't previously registered from AT&T. You can typically tell which phones have been registered with which service provider simply by turning it on - if it says AT&T or T-Mobile when the phone powers on, the IMEI is registered with that provider. There may also be markings on the phone itself that will notate with whom the cell phone is registered.

A phone that is jailbroken is different than a cell phone that has been unlocked, and because it's been jailbroken, doesn't mean it's unlocked. A jailbroken phone can be customized beyond what the manufacturer has offered. While unlocking a phone is not illegal, jailbreaking a phone may be illegal. A good example of this is an iPhone that may be jailbroken to allow applications normally available for a charge to be made available for free.

A reflashed phone is a phone that has its internal memory reprogrammed to work on another provider. This is more of a physical programming, rather than a setting in the phone that allows it to work on another carrier, and is generally used in reference to phones that work on the CDMA network, such as Verizon and Sprint.

Not every cell phone can be unlocked to work on every network. If your cell phone is made with an incompatible technology, then it simply will not work. The following may help illustrate this point:

AT&T: Compatible with T-Mobile, unlocked GSM phones, and other carrier GSM phones.

Nextel: Even though it has a SIM card, only compatible with Boost Mobile.

Sprint: Not compatible with any other carrier, but you may reflash your phone to work on Cricket or MetroPCS

T-Mobile: Compatible with AT&T, unlocked GSM phones, and other carrier GSM phones.

Verizon: Not compatible with any carrier, but may be reflashed to work on Cricket, or Metro PCS.

Of course, there are prepaid providers, but too many to list here. 

Unlocked phones, first and foremost, allow you to use your phone in any country that uses GSM for their cell phone technology. There are over 4 billion mobile communications subscribers in the world using GSM, which indicates you have a good chance of being able to use your cell phone nearly anywhere you go. 

With that many devices worldwide, newer devices are likely to be released on that platform first, and perhaps even in other parts of the world, creating many new and exotic devices. Looking for an unlocked phone with a 5 mega pixel camera and zoom lens? You're likely to find it in an unlocked GSM phone. There are hundreds of phone models that are not carried by either AT&T or T-Mobile that are marketed world wide, and if they're unlocked, you can put them on any GSM carrier you wish.

Unregistered, unlocked GSM devices don't have carrier requirements for data, ringtones, or wallpapers, which means you don't have to try to bootleg your favorite ringtones, or purchase wallpapers from your carrier's webstore. Load what you want on your device, when you want. With no data requirement, you can save over $700 over a typical two year contract, and since you pay full price for the equipment, you don't have to sign a two year agreement. 

If you're planning to travel, and your current provider is AT&T or T-Mobile, you should consider getting your cell phone unlocked or purchasing an unlocked cell phone. On your current cell phone, simply call your provider and ask what the unlock code is. They're usually pretty cooperative if you let them know you're going out of town and need your cell phone. When you arrive, get a prepaid SIM card and some minutes, and you're ready to go.

if you like the coolest phones available, then consider searching eBay for unlocked cell phones. Some of the hottest technology isn't being offered by cell phone carriers in the US, but in Europe and Asia. You'll pay a bit more for the phone, but there's no contract involved and no carrier data plan if you want something that supports WiFi only.

Unlocked phones can be fun, unique, and can save you money in the long run. Just make sure you know what you are purchasing before money changes hands. Enjoy!