Most consumers think they have to dispose of their cell phones if they change service providers. But that isn’t always the case. An unlocked cellular phone is probably not something most people have heard of, but in reality a phone that can be unlocked can save a consumer a lot of time and hassle.

An unlocked cellular phone is a GMS, or digital, model that enables the transferring of the SIM, or subscriber information module, into it. These phones are not necessarily readily available in the United States, but they can be found through such companies as T-Mobile, Cingular, AT&T and some retailers that sell phones.

Anyone with a GMS type phone can have it turned into an unlocked cellular phone, enabling it to pick up new SIM information for service and billing. The unlocking process will either be done from the start, or codes can be obtained that will enable the phone to accept new information and function correctly.

The advantages of an unlocked cellular phone can be fantastic for those who are attached to their phone models. They include:

Freedom: An unlocked cellular phone gives customers an ability to use the phone they want, rather than a phone a service provider touts. This can save in upfront fees during a purchase of new service.

Preference: If a customer has an unlocked cellular phone they really like, a switch in service doesn’t mean having to give up that model. This is great for those who are very comfortable with their model phone and its perks.

Information saving: Many people nowadays use their cell phones as portable telephone books and with some offering PDA abilities, the information stored on them is vital to carry on with a new contract. When an unlocked cellular phone is used, there’s no reason to be concerned about losing the information during a new service contract or having to spend hours transferring the data.

Figuring out the ins and outs of an unlocked cellular phone can be a little tricky, but there are even some companies out there that can help talk a customer through the process. Some cell phone makers will even provide the codes necessary to unlock a phone that’s presently locked. As long as the phone is owned by the consumer, and not the service provider, the process is legal.

Changing cell phones can be a real problem for some people. When a GMS phone is used, this problem can be eliminated. An unlocked cellular phone gives consumers the freedoms to have the phones they want and the service plans they want, as well.

For more information on unlocked cellular phones try visiting http://www.cellphonesinfosite.com, a website that specializes in providing advice, tips and resources on cellphones such as the trendy pink cellular phone that you can use to help organize a more budget friendly purchase.

Unlocked Phones FAQ:

Question: How will buying and using an unlocked phone affect my AT&T contract?
As of today I’m eligible for a phone upgrade through at&t, but I really don’t like any of the phones that they’re letting me upgrade to, so I’m thinking about buying an unlocked one.

Answer: This is one of the things I love about AT&T, you only have to renew your contract if your buying a new phone at the two year agreement plan. If you provide your own phone you do not need to renew, you just pay your monthly fees, you can even change plans and not renew.

Question: How do I get a plan for a foreign, unlocked phone?
If I buy the Sony Ericsson W601i Walkman phone (which is a foreign phone and is “unlocked” and has “no US warranty”) how would I be able to get a phone plan for it? And am I limited to certain phone companies…like can I use Tmobile or Verizon?

Answer: Yes, you can get plans without buying a phone (if you already possess one). And yes, your unlocked phone (which requires a SIM) is limited to GSM Carriers such as T- Mobile or AT&T. Verizon does not use SIM Cards, and therefore not compatible with your phone.

Question: I have a red blackberry 8100 phone right now that is broken. I have heard about buying unlocked phones. What I am wondering is could I buy an iphone unlocked put my sim card in and still only pay my blackberry fee? Same thing with a blackberry bold? Will I pay a new bill or the same one? And what is the procedure for switching?

Answer: Get and unlocked phone and swap out the sim. Sim cards will hold your info and such. Your plan and carrier are tied to your sim card. Just swap out the sims and thats it. If you want to get an iPhone unlocked then you can buy it without a contract (for a ridiculous price) from an AT&T or Apple store. It won’t be unlocked it will just be without a contract. You can unlock it if you have the OS 3.0 update with ultrasn0w (Google it). If you are in the US, and want to use it with T-Mobile, don’t expect to get 3G (faster internet).

Question: Where do I get service on a brand new Unlocked Phone?
I would prefer to have Alltel, and on their website they claim to be a CDMA carrier. What does this mean? Will I be able to use a brand new unlocked phone on their network? If not, what service carriers will I be able to use?

Answer: Unlocked means it will work with any GSM carrier, NOT CDMA. GSM company’s like AT&T that use sim cards. Sim cards will work in an unlocked GSM phone.

Question: If I put my SIM card in an unlocked phone will I still have my phone# and all of my contacts?

Answer: Yes, you’ll have everything that’s on your SIM card.

Question: How do I activate my T-mobile SIM card with my unlocked phone?
I just got an unlocked phone in Europe and I want to use it with T-mobile. I just heard that I could buy a SIM card on Ebay or I think I could just walk into a T-mobile store, purchase a free phone with a SIM card and use that SIM card in my unlocked phone. But than how do I activate it with T-mobile? Can you walk me through the process.

Answer: Once you have a T-mobile phone in your possession, you can buy a sim card for it. You still need a T-mobile plan in order to be able to use it. Just call T-mobile with the sim number, they will activate it.

Question: Where can I find a cheap unlocked phone for cingular?
I lost my phone and it has only been the 1st year of my 2 year contract. Cingular (now the new at&t) said that the cheapest phone they have for my situation is $169!

Answer: I would recommend looking on ebay. If you want an unlocked one, just look for any unlocked GSM phone.

Question: Can you get in trouble with your carrier for using an unlocked phone?
I am traveling to Guatemala and I want to be able to use my phone there. I have t-mobile, and I have an unlocked iphone.

Answer: No, you cannot get in trouble with T Mobile for using an unlocked phone. When you signed a contract with them, you basically stated that you accepted the equipment you purchased and you would not be able to upgrade to new equipment until whatever date is stated in the contract. There is nothing in any wireless contract which prohibits the use of an alternate cellular device.

It wasn’t that long ago when we all thought that cell phones were just expensive toys and cheap unlocked cellular phones were no longer available; many individuals just want a basic model that will make a call. If you’re searching for where to purchase manly cheap unlocked cell phones, the Internet is actually the simplest place to search Cell Phone Unlocked. Probably the best source for purchasing cheap unlocked cell phones is on eBay or through eBay affiliated stores.

Most importantly unlocked cell phones are in such elevated demand that third party companies will unlock Your Mobile Phone at price. However the procedure of unlocking a regular cell phone may be difficult and it may permanently damage your cell phone.

Although it may not seem possible with the high-tech status of phones today, cheap cellular phones are still available; it is still possible to find models if you don’t mind looking around. Most importantly shopping online isn’t only suitable and cheap, it also provides you the maximum selection of cheap cell phones.

Unlocked phones can provide a huge range of benefits. Unlocked cell phones basically not organized to a definite carrier. Unlocked phones work with any SIM card and locked phones have to be bought with a specific service provider. “Unlocked” applies to cell phones that can take any SIM card, also known as GSM cell phones.

For those looking for a phone that will work in another country, many other countries use GSM technology exclusively, so these unlocked phones can be used both in the United States and elsewhere in the world. If you are an international traveler, the unlocked phone is definitely the route to go. If you are traveling overseas for a business trip and just need a simple, basic phone to use while you are abroad, then why not buy a cheap unlocked cell phone?

When deciding if an unlocked cell phone is right for you, consider your personal needs. If you need a phone to use for overseas travel of whatever nature then a cheap unlocked cell phone will be ideal, especially if you don’t want end up paying ridiculous overseas network charges!

Visit us at http://www.cheap-unlocked-cell-phones.com for more information and the great product selection

Unlocked Phones FAQ:

Question: Can I use an unlocked phone for a company that uses CDMA?
Do all unlocked phones have sim cards? Can I use a phone with a sim card for a carrier which uses cdma? If I have a cdma phone, can I transfer my carrier, or do I have to buy a new phone?

Answer: GSM / iDEN based phones are unlocked and they use simcards only. A CDMA carrier won’t be using simcards and their technology is different from GSM carriers so you can’t use a GSM phone with a CDMA carrier. If you have a CDMA phone then you need to contact the CDMA carrier and they will set up the phone on their network.

Question: How does having an unlocked phone enable you to not have roaming charges from that network?
I have a unlocked cingular phone and will be traveling overseas. With an unlocked phone will I not pay cingular roaming charges?

Answer: If you have an unlocked phone with no SIM card in it, it’s not going to work at all. Most phones in the US will not work in Europe or Asia, unless it is a world phone. You have to have an account or be registered with the other service providers overseas in order to use their networks, and if you have an AT&T card in it, it will go through the international networks, then through your phone.

Question: Does your phone number change when you buy an unlocked phone?
I’m with AT&T right now, and I want to buy an unlocked Blackberry Curve. If I do, will I still have my old phone number, or will it be different?

Answer: When you buy the unlocked phone just put your sim card in and your number is the same as before. Remember the secret to your phone working is in the sim card and an att phone or unlocked phone that takes a sim card.

Question: Bought unlocked phone, will it work worldwide?

Answer: As long as your phone uses a SIM card and supports a quad band frequency. If it supports a tri band it will work in almost all countries worldwide. However if your phone is a dual band it will only work in the US, Canada and most of South America.

Question: Can an unlocked phone access the internet?
If I were to take my SIM card out of my Cingular phone and place it in an unlocked phone, such as a PDA phone, would that new phone be able to access the internet, even if my current plan does not have internet access included?

Answer: No. The internet is an additional data service that your account has to pay for. Just because the phone has a web browser, doesn’t automatically turn on that service.

Question: Can an unlocked phone work with a prepaid sim card?
I have a prepaid phone but will my sim card work with an unlocked Motorola RAZR?

Answer: I’ve been using my SIM card in unlocked phones for about 5 years with T Mobile prepaid service.
No problems to report thus far and I buy new unlocked phones every 9 months or less.

Question: I have an Unlocked Blackberry Pearl (8120) and want to use Boost Mobile’s network… Will my phone work?
I have an Unlocked Blackberry Pearl (8120) and want to get the Boost Mobile $50 everything plan but don’t want to switch phones. Will a boost mobile SIM card work with a Blackberry Pearl 8120 unlocked phone.

Answer: A boost mobile sim will only work in a boost mobile phone or a nextel phone. If a boost mobile sim is put into a blackberry the talk and walkie talkie will work but the email and data related functions will not. A boost mobile sim in a nextel device will likely have issues with downloads [ringtones, games & apps] since they have different storefronts loaded into the phone.

Question: Which Service Provider will work with my S500i unlocked phone?
I bought my unlocked Sony Ericsson while I was living in Europe. Now I moved back to the states and would like to get a monthly plan for my phone. Many of the places I have gone such as altell, tell me I cannot get a plan from them and use my phone because it has to be their phone.

Answer: Only T-Mobile and AT&T will work with your Sony Ericsson S500i.

If you are a cell phone lover, chances are you are aggravated with at least one aspect of your cell phone plan. Of course we all wish something about it was better – whether it be the sound quality, roaming charges, or the amount of service we get. But what if we had the opportunity to unlock our mobile phones? We have all wanted to switch services but keep our old beloved phone. Luckily, technology has now given us the means to do so. Better yet, it’s legal!

Mobile phone unlocking is a great way for people to get the most from their cell phones. We have all tried out a service that just doesn’t provide us with enough features, yet we haven’t wanted to go through the hassle of switching phones. Fortunately, mobile phone unlocking is extremely easy and legal! Although most cell phone companies want you to believe that they put cell phone locks on their devices, it is actually false. Of course no company wants you to leave! Every bright business wants to not only keep you as a customer, but keep your monthly cash that you send to them so frequently. Therefore, you have every right and ability to unlock your phone if needed. However, some companies will try to lock it permanently, so it was crucial to stay alert.

Another benefit to mobile phone unlocking is that it could save you a lot of money in the long run. For instance, if you were an avid traveler and wanted to save money on international phone rates, you could change your service. If you kept the same service, you would be charged for roaming fees, thus leaving you with an unnecessary bill. By unlocking your cell phone, you could spend more money on other features!

The greatest part about mobile phone unlocking is that is simple to access! Surprisingly, there are cell phone unlock codes you can use to do this procedure. Many websites online offer such codes that usually are quite affordable, ranging from $5-$10. However, some phones may need more than a cell phone unlock code. For instance, if you have a certain Motorola model, a data plug may have to be used to connect to a programming unit. This will reprogram your phone and allow you to pick another service.

Although mobile phone unlocking is a great way for people to switch services, not all phones can be unlocked. The only phone companies that have this feature are AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile. If you are not using a GSM company, chances are your phone has no ability to unlock. Nevertheless, if you have the opportunity to unlock your mobile phone, and you want to change services, then it is a wonderful opportunity. We now have the freedom to do what we want, when we want it. Cell phone companies are no longer holding us with these plans that cannot be changed. We finally have realized the secret and for that reason, cell phone unlock codes will always be our favorite feature.

Natalie Aranda writes on culture and technology. The greatest part about mobile phone unlocking is that is simple to access! Surprisingly, there are cell phone unlock codes you can use to do this procedure. For instance, if you have a certain Motorola model, a data plug may have to be used to connect to a programming unit. This will reprogram your phone and allow you to pick another service.

Unlocked Phone FAQ:

Question: What do I need to make an unlocked phone work?
I don’t really know much about unlocked phones. Assuming I currently have absolutely no phone service, what steps would I have to take after buying this phone to have full service? What kind of plan would I have to get? Somebody told me that unlocked phones already have free talk, so you only need to get a data plan.

Answer: “Someone” is wrong. You need voice service and a text plan if you plan to text. Go visit AT&T and T-Mobile to see what they offer. T-Mobile generally has less expensive plans but service can be spotty. If you sign a contract, you will probably get a free phone that you can sell. However, you can go month to month if you choose.

Question: Can I use an unlocked phone on my current t-mobile plan?
I currently have a plan on t-mobile with a blackberry with unlimited minutes and text messaging. But I want to get an unlocked phone “XPERIA”. Could I just pop out the sim card in my blackberry and just put it in the xperia? Would I still get the unlimited minutes/messaging on the xperia?

Answer: Yes you can put your sim in an unlocked “XPERIA” & yes you will still get your unlimited minutes etc as all the info on your account is on your sim card not on the phone.

Question: Does buying an unlocked phone effect how my phone works?

Answer: Generally, no. If your provider includes software on their locked phones (like an email reader or IM client) you may lose those, but other than that you should be fine.

If you are having issues connecting to the internet (WAP) or texting, its usually because you have wrong settings in your phone for the provider you are using. Technical support from your cellular provider should be able to remedy that.

Question: Can you lock a phone after its been unlocked?
I have an unlocked phone made for t-mobile that I used when I had cingular but now I’m with T-mobile and I was just wondering if I can lock it again so I will be able to send picture texts and stuff.

Answer: When they unlocked your phone did they just remove the network lock and leave the t-mobile branded software in the phone? If so you should still be able to see the tzone icon and you would be able to connect on the internet send pics etc.
If the t-zone and all other t-mobile branding of your phone is gone you will need to reflash the phone with a t-mobile monsterpack of software for your phone.

Question: Do carriers care if you have an unlocked phone?
I want to contact fido support but I have an unlocked phone, and I’m afraid they’ll refuse service to me or something because I bought an unlocked phone. Do they care at all?

Answer: I know at T-Mobile we don’t. I mean, some things we can’t help with because we don’t know about that phone’s specifics, or because it’s not covered under warranty, but we still try to help. Unless they have a rule specifically forbidding the use of other phones, I doubt they’ll care.

I can see when my customers are using non-T-Mobile phones, there’s a tool to see what phone models they’ve used. I don’t know if all carriers have a tool like that.

Question: Does any sim card work in an unlocked phone?
My phone company doesn’t have any phones with a qwerty keyboard, and I’m locked in with that company for at least 2 years, so i was thinking of buying an unlocked phone on ebay (like a Samsung U740 or an LG rumour) and just putting my SIM chip in – would that work?

Answer: That’s what they say. When you get an unlocked phone, it’s supposed to work with any SIM.

Question: Will my cellular one SIM card work on a unlocked phone?
I wanted to know if my Cellular one SIM card will work on a unlocked blackberry pearl phone, I tried it but when I get a call I can hear the other person but they cant hear me?? Should I get a T-mobile sim card?

Answer: It should still work, maybe try a tmobile sim card in the phone and see if it works if not call cellular one and tell them you are having a problem with people not hearing you. Sometimes it can be a problem with the sim card.

Question: Does a SIM card from other phone work in an unlocked phone?
I have an unlocked motorola L6 phone and I’m planning to buy a cheap GoPhone (AT&T) and put that SIM card into my unlocked phone. would that work?

Answer: Any SIM will work with an unlocked phone.