| Before we begin I feel that it is important | | | | yourself an unlocked cell phone. |
| to explain that only some kinds of phones can | | | | |
| be unlocked. Specifically phones that are | | | | You might be wondering "Are unlocked phones |
| compatible with the GSM (Global System for | | | | as good as the phones I get from my |
| Mobile Communications) network and have SIM | | | | carrier?", the answer is Yes, in fact when |
| Cards. GSM phones contain a small, removable | | | | originally manufactured, all GSM SIM Card |
| card, known as a SIM (Subscriber Identity | | | | cell phones are unlocked. That means they can |
| Module). This SIM Card is programmed with | | | | be used with any SIM card from any cell phone |
| your carrier's subscription information and | | | | service provider, as long as they use the |
| it stores your phonebook information. A SIM | | | | same frequency bands and they usually do. But |
| card can be removed and placed into another | | | | your service provider locks them in order to |
| GSM phone, allowing you to quickly switch | | | | lock you into their service. The cell phones |
| handsets while keeping your contacts and | | | | you purchase unlocked are the same cell |
| carrier's subscription information. | | | | phones just without the restrictions! |
| | | | |
| Now that we have cleared that up and you find | | | | "Are there other benefits of buying an |
| that you fall into the proper category to be | | | | unlocked cell phone?" Yes, you can also use |
| a candidate for an unlocked cell phone read | | | | unlocked cell phones Worldwide. As we all |
| on... | | | | know when a phone is locked the wireless |
| | | | carrier that locked it forces you to pay what |
| If you are a customer of any of the many | | | | are usually very high roaming charges when |
| wireless carriers that are using GSM SIM Card | | | | you take your phone out of their network and |
| technology, including but not limited to such | | | | use it elsewhere in the world. However, with |
| carriers as AT&T/Cingular, T-Mobile and | | | | an unlocked cell phone, you can travel |
| Alltel, and your contract is expired or about | | | | anywhere in the world and simply buy a |
| to expire you might be hesitant to take the | | | | pre-paid GSM SIM Card from that location. |
| leap of signing a new 2 year contract just to | | | | After purchasing your GSM SIM Card you can |
| get a small discount on a new phone (or | | | | then simply place it into the cell phones GSM |
| perhaps a really cheap free phone). | | | | SIM card slot (replacing your previous GSM |
| | | | SIM Card) and use the phone Worldwide without |
| Ask yourself this "Am I ready to commit to | | | | the ultra high costs. |
| another 2 year contract just to get a | | | | |
| discounted cell phone? or would I rather buy | | | | So when it comes to cell phone and the |
| an unlocked phone and have my freedom back?" | | | | question to commit or not to commit to a new |
| and let's face it, the discounts given on new | | | | 2 year cell phone contract? We strongly vote |
| phones simply do not justify a new 2 year | | | | again it! Just say no and get your freedom |
| commitment. Why not look into getting | | | | back. |