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.