what does it mean when it says this cell phone is unlocked?

Question

im looking to replace my cell phone.

Answer 1

It can be used with any carrier

Answer 2

By default, at just manufactured state, almost all GSM phones are unlocked. But when the phone company has a tie up with a Service provider, this service provider makes sure they electronically lock the cell phone so that the consumer can use it only with their service.

Now in US, the advantage is you get cell phones for much cheaper rates or sometimes free or many times you get paid for buying certain models. And the disadvantage is that you are going to be bound by a Contract for 1 or 2 years. But once you successfully complete the contract commitment, they provide you with the Unlock Passcode and the cell is yours. You would be free to use it with any Service provider. Remember, Unlocked new model phones are much expensive when compared to locked phones that come with service! Part of few ironies in life, I guess :)

Also check for deals you get on unlocked phones at Amazon.com or deals2buy.com or just search for them on yahoo/google!

Hope my few words were of some worth :)

Answer 3

When it's unlocked, that means you can use it with a carrier on your choice (It has to be compatible with the network though, Verizon&Sprint/Nextel are CDMA, T-Mobile and Cingular are GSM) Depending on the network, once you have a plan up you can put an SIM card in it, or have the provider activate it, again depending on the network. Then you can start using it!

Hope this helps, and Good luck!

Answer 4

It means it is not "locked" to a particular provider of phone service, which is ideal. You can use the SIM card of any company that operates on the same standard. Look for a world phone or at least tri-band, so you can use it for traveling without paying roaming charges to your home provider. You just switch to a local SIM card.

Answer 5

It means that there is not a subsidy lock on the phone. An unlocked phone can be used if you decide to switch service providers as long as the service provider has the same type of network (i.e. GSM such as Cingular or CDMA such as Sprint).

Answer 6

you can use it for any service - verizon, tmobile etc. But there are still compatibilities. Look at what the phone is compatible with. I bought an unlocked phone and I'm happy with it. This way, you not limited to the phones available with your plan.

Answer 7

It means that the cell phone which used to be "locked" , that is to say worked only with one operator like ATT, or Verizon, etc, can now be used with any operator whhe you put your phone card (SIM card) in it

Answer 8

An "UNLOCKED" cell phone, means you can use it by ANY carrier (fido, rogers, t-mobile etc etc) that uses SIM cards( a small chip in the back of ur phone)

Answer 9

when my cell phone is locked, it means I can put it in my purse and won't accidently hit buttons and call someone. When it is unlocked, you can dial numbers.

Answer 10

this mean that ur mobile fone is not lock to a specific mobile service provider. thus you can insert any sim card from any service providers from any country to gain access to thier services provided example to make a fone call using the chosen service provider mobile network.....

Answer 11

it means that when you press a key/ number, the number/ key will perform the specified action it was programmed to perform... when it's locked, when the keys/numbers pressed wil not work until the phone is "unlocked"