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