Unlocked Cell Phones

Traditionally the full retail prices of cell phones have be heavily discounted by service providers in exchange for the user agreeing to sign up for a two year service agreement. To ensure that the user does not stray from that service provider an electronic leash of sorts is put on the phone. This "leash" is an in the form of a software locking mechanism which renders the phone useless on any network other than that which has the "key" to unlock it. More and more users are rebelling against the idea of being locked into a single carrier and have turned to unlocked cell phones which allow them to chose the service provider which best suits them at a given time.

How an Unlocked Cell Phone Works

Cell phones which utilize a subscriber information module (SIM) are enabled when they have a SIM card inserted into them which is issued by a cellular service provider. A locked cell phone, however, will only recognize a SIM card issued by the provider which locked the phone. However, an unlocked cell phone will provide service when a SIM card from any service provider is inserted into it.

Which Cell Phones Can Be Unlocked?

In the United States, currently the only cellular phones which can be unlocked are GSM models because they are the only models which contain a SIM card. Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile are the two major service providers which utilize GSM for their networks. Other major service providers using CDMA technology may have functionality soon which mirrors that if the SIM card, but it is not available yet.

Where to Find a Phone

Unlocked cell phones provide added flexibility by not locking you into a long-term contract or even a single service provider. However, the trade-off for this freedom is usually a larger up-front cost to purchase the cell phone itself. If this is an option that interests you, please see our selection of unlocked cell phones.