Locked means the code to "unlock" it has been entered and it can not be used. If you buy a phone via internet from someplace (like eBay) if it does not say it is unlocked, when you get the phone you would not be able to use it and even if it is for Cingular or T-Mobile or what ever phone service, even they can not get it to work for you. So if you are buying a cell phone, no matter where you get it, make sure they unlock it, or it will be useles and you will have waisted your money.
2006-07-02 14:29:23 · 5 answers · asked by puffy dragon 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cell Phones & Plans
Ok. I just bought a phone on ebay. I have service with T-Mobile. Someone told me that I had to either get a T-Mobile phone or buy one that is unlocked. Unlocked means that you can put any sim card in it and it'll work. The unlocked phones work with any phone service. I just bought one that was unlocked and put my T-Mobile sim card in, and it was ready to go. Get a phone that is brand new; never been used. That was another piece of advice that I got to buy a phone on ebay. Goodluck:)
2006-07-02 14:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by amereilly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Unlocked" in many sense, especially when it's on Ebay or other stores, means that it's carrier "subsidy" unlocked. That means that the phone can accept any SIM card from any carrier offered and issued all over the world.
Normally, most GSM phones offered by carriers (eg. Cingular, T-Mobile, etc) have been subsidy "locked" by the carriers to prevent its customers from using a competitors' SIM on that phone. This way, it can somewhat "force" its customers to pay roaming rates when travelling.
Normally, a Cingular branded phone can be used on the Cingular network and T-mobile on T-mobile networks provided they are still "active" and not "deactivated" but not on competitor's networks due to this subsidy lock. If deactivated, you may have to contact the carrier to "re-activate" it and likely pay a fee.
You don't necessarily need to get an "unlock" phone if you are only planning on using that carrier's phone. Unlocking certainly allows you more choices but not necessary.
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2006-07-02 22:28:52 · answer #2 · answered by M C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-07-02 21:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by RAMONA S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for the warning.
2006-07-02 21:33:50 · answer #4 · answered by Desiree S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thanks for the info.
2006-07-02 21:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by baby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋