I'm looking for a phone on Ebay. What does it mean by Unlocked?

Question

Because like, tons of them say "UNLOCKED" phone and I need to know what it means.

Answer 1

It means they can connect to any server. They are not locked to one server eg. vodaphone.
Often when you buy a phone it will be brought through a phone company, or server and you can not change who you want to provide you with a connection service (the biller). So an unlocked phone means you will have the freedom to choose what company you want your phone to connect to so you can start making and receiving calls or messages. You can choose any company so look for the one with the best service and cheapest rates.

Answer 2

(Tha Hottie) is completely wrong. An unlocked phone means that it can be used with any cell phone company.

There are two competing technologies for cellphones., GSM and CDMA. If you are buying a phone on ebay, it probably uses GSM technology, like Cingular/AT&T, or T-Mobile. You cannot use a cellphone with one technology with a carrier that doesn't support it. It's like sticking a DVD in a VCR. It just doesn't work. If its not unlocked, it means it can only be used on one cellphone carrier. For example, if it is locked by Cingular, it means that it can ONLY be used with Cingular.

After you buy the phone, you go to a cellphone store and buy a simcard, so you can get service. a SIM card is necessary for service.

Answer 3

Hi,
An unlocked phone,is It can work with any cellphone company that DOESENT USE SIM CARDS.Such as Alltel,and or verizon wireless.And a locked phone,is where It can ONLY work with phone companys that the phone is assigned to.

Answer 4

means that it can be used by all the sim card networks

Answer 5

It means you can use any service providers sim card.