A locked phone is associated with a carrier. Only a SIM from that carrier will work. Typically there will also be restrictions on adding and removing software as well. An unlocked phone can be used with any carrier it is physically compatible with, and you usually have administrator level privileges on the OS.

Compete fiercely to attract and retain their subscribers. Generally, they make money from data plans, roaming charges and their agreements with popular mobile phone manufacturers. They receive locked handsets from the manufacturers that can be used with specific carriers only.

They offer huge discounts on mobile phone prices with certain contractual data plans. Why are Phones Locked? The locking of mobile phones compensate for the discounts consumers receive on their mobile phone purchase. A locked mobile phone can be used with a single carrier networks.

A locked phone is associated with a carrier. Only a SIM from that carrier will work. Typically there will also be restrictions on adding and removing software as well. An unlocked phone can be used with any carrier it is physically compatible with, and you usually have administrator level privileges on the OS. With a locked phone you are “locked” to your carrier. You can only use your locked phone with the carrier that it’s locked to – so if you are locked to T-Mobile you won’t be able to use your phone on any other network like Verizon or 02. Some network service providers lock your phone to locations or areas.

If you want to switch to another network for some reason, you may have to buy another handset. However, an unlocked phone can be used with any network without compromising the features of your mobile phone. An unlocked mobile phone increases the resale value of the device. People prefer to buy a handset without any restrictions.

Buying Unlocked Phones Consumers face the biggest dilemma when they want to purchase a newly launched mobile phone that is not yet supported by their network provider. Mobile phone contracts are lengthy and breach of contract can create legal complications or severe penalties. In this case consumers have to choose a handset, they are not happy with. Or they can buy an unlocked device of their choice and enjoy the benefits of current data plan offered by their network provider. The transition from one handset to another requires only the transfer of SIM card. However, certain expensive smartphones can be affordable with one or two years contracts provided the carrier offers high quality services during entire contract period.

There are many benefits of buying an unlocked mobile phone. They are cheaper to buy on the open market rather than buying from the carriers. Besides you can select a handset of your choice and select the most suitable data plan according to your needs. Light users can choose pay-as-you-go data plans and avoid lengthy and expensive data plan contracts.

Advantages of Unlocked Phones With unlocked mobile phones, you can customise the display, home screen and apps as per your liking. They also allow the freedom to downloading apps and software from various sources. Locked phones have the access to the apps provided by the carrier only. Unlocked phones can be useful while travelling abroad. Travelling abroad can incur huge roaming charges with your current data plan.

It is more economical to buy a temporary SIM card from a local network provider during the stay abroad. If your device is still locked, you can use the help of the companies like Global Unlock.

They unlock mobile phones of any make and brand. Disadvantages of Unlocked Phones There are some disadvantages of buying an unlocked mobile phone. Carriers do not offer the same features and facility to subscribers with unlocked phones. Some offers such as free calling to certain numbers or one button access are dependent on the software and settings of locked phones. They cannot be made available to subscribers with unlocked phones.

One of the main disadvantages of unlocking a phone is that it loses the synch feature. An unlocked phone cannot be synchronized to update. Some settings also get messed up and you may encounter some quirks while using it. Unlocking a simple device with only basic features such as texting and messaging is not worth it.

However, by unlocking a cutting edge latest device you get the option of endless possibilities. Has leanings towards some of the new Android phones to replace his ancient PAYG phone.

Many people ask the question: 'What is an unlocked cell phone?' In order to answer that, we must first look at how the cell phone industry works.

The preceding question will most likely apply to T-Mobile and Cingular/AT&T customers. Your service provider (T-Mobile or Cingular/AT&T) provides phone service. That is their main business. They do not make cell phones & accessories (headsets, covers, etc.). However, they do sell it. Manufacturers (like Motorola, LG, Samsung, Sony) manufacture cell phones.

These manufacturers sell their cell phones to the service providers. We are going to use Motorola's RAZR V3 as an example. EXAMPLE: Motorola makes the RAZR V3 (the world most popular cell phone) and sells it to T-Mobile. Since T-Mobile wants to keep their customers, they only buy locked phones.

Only T-Mobile SIM cards will work in these T-Mobile locked cell phones. If you try to insert a Cingular/AT&T SIM card into a T-Mobile locked phone, it will not work. So what happens if you break or lose your cell phone? The Cellular Replacement video describes what to do when you are in need of an unlocked phone. Most people who break or lose their cell phone do NOT want to be tied on another GSM year contract.

All they need is the hardware. If you go to T-Mobile, they will try to 'upgrade' your contract.

Free Download Software To Open Docx File there. This means your contract will be extended for another two years. They will sell you a T-Mobile 'locked' cell phone at a small discount (big wow). Since they are salesmen who have to hit quota, they won't tell you to slip your SIM card into an unlocked cell phone. Iphone 5s Gpp Unlocked Means there. Unlocked Cell phones are not sold in Cell Phone Stores. So for our example once you order an unlocked RAZR V3, upon arrival slip in your SIM card and you will have phone service within seconds. An Unlocked Cell Phone will work for both T-Mobile and Cingular/AT&T.

This is because both carriers use GSM technology (SIM cards). If you lost your SIM card, walk into your cell phone store and say, 'The only thing I need to do is replace my SIM card.' Your replacement SIM card is FREE so if they try to charge you, go somewhere else.