What Are Unlocked Cell Phones?
Cell phones designed for specific cell phone carriers can be unlocked so they can be used with different carriers. Each cell phone carrier runs on a specific network. The two most common networks are CDMA (Code Division Multiple access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Verizon and Sprint run on CDMA; T-Mobile and AT&T run on GSM, which requires a SIM (subscriber identity module) card.
Facts
Your cell phone must be unlocked to work with another carrier. Unlocking a cell phone will allow you to use it with other carriers on the same network; it will not work with carriers on any other network.
Acquiring an Unlocked Phone
One way to get an unlocked cell phone is to do it yourself. There are many free tutorials online. You also can find independent agents that provide these services. To obtain an unlocked cell phone without proprietary settings, you can purchase it from a third-party vendor. This can be expensive because you will be paying full retail price for the cell phone; however, this will insure that your cell phone functions correctly with any carrier within that network.
Network Differences
For cell phones using GSM networks, you simply can move your SIM card, which contains your subscriber information, to a GSM unlocked cell phone. A locked cell phone will recognize only SIM cards made for its carrier.
With CDMA network phones, it is not always practical to use an unlocked cell phone because it is difficult to get a provider activate the cell phone for you. CDMA carriers know which cell phones belong to them and which ones do not.
Considerations
Remember, each cell phone was created to run on a specific network and will not work on a different network even if it is unlocked. For example, if you unlock a phone that is on a GSM network, you still cannot run it on a CDMA network.
Warning
Unlocking your phone can void your warranty. Contact your carrier for more information. Cell phone settings may not function correctly when used with a different carrier than intended due to proprietary settings. If you decide to unlock your cell phone yourself, make sure you know what you are doing or you can cause damage and make your cell phone unusable.
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