The Iphone World

Jimmy Collins asked:

One of the most asked questions we receive at Search4cellphonedeals.com is can I use any unlocked cell phone for my carrier?  The short answer is, no you cannot.  There are several things to consider before you run out and buy an unlocked cell phone.

First let’s look at what an unlocked cell phone is.  Some cell phones are designed to use a Subscriber Identification Module card or SIM card for short.  A SIM card is a microchip that stores subscriber data.  The SIM card is issued by a carrier and provides cell service by activating any phone into which it is inserted.  A locked cell phone, however, will only recognize a SIM card from a particular carrier.  If the cell phone is unlocked, it will recognize a SIM card from any carrier.  The “lock” is a software setting that keeps the cell phone “loyal” to one carrier.  This is done by the major carriers to ensure you don’t get a FREE cell phone under a two-year contract and then not pay on the contract and use that cell phone with another provider.  It is in this way that the cell phone providers can justify giving individuals a FREE cell phone that would have otherwise cost the consumer money.

There are plenty of places that sell unlocked cell phones but simply buying one of these phones does not guarantee that it will work with your carrier.  Before buying an unlocked cell phone, you have to know what network your cellular provider operates on.  There are two here in the United States.  The first is Global Systems for Mobile Communications or GSM for short.  If your cell phone has a SIM card, your provider uses GSM.  Currently carriers on the GSM network include, AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile.  Typically if you buy an unlocked cell phone any SIM card should work equally as well in that phone regardless of the provider.  The other network is called Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA for short.  CDMA phones do not have a SIM card and thus even if you purchase an unlocked CDMA cell phone you still have to get your carrier to activate it for you.  The drawback here is that the provider still decides if you can use a specific cell phone.  Currently carriers using CDMA in the United States include Verizon Wireless, Alltel Wireless and Sprint PCS.

The easiest way to determine if your provider will let you use an unlocked cell phone you have your eye on is to simply call them.  Every provider has an 800 number that can be obtained by simply going to their web site.  This is especially important for anyone who is considering buying an unlocked CDMA cell phone.

Unlocked cell phones have become so in demand that there are now companies out there that will unlock your cell phone for a fee.  The fee varies by company and again may or may not free up your cell phone to be used elsewhere.  There are also numerous hacking sites on the web that will show you how to unlock your phone, but be warned, the carriers will render a cell phone that is determined to be unlocked improperly inoperable.  If you want an unlocked cell phone, the best thing to do is to buy one from a reputable company.

Now that you know the facts, start looking for your dream cell phone.  Remember it is probably best to leave your locked cell phone alone and look elsewhere for an unlocked cell phone that will work best with your GSM (if you have a SIM card) or CDMA cell phone.  Avoid the places that tell you any unlocked phone will work with any carrier and be sure to double-check with your provider before you finalize your purchase.  It’s your money, spend it wisely.

For more information or to find out where to purchase unlocked cell phones, please visit http://www.search4cellphonedeals.com/New_and_Refurbished_Unlocked_Cell_Phones.html

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported. It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
• Quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and GPRS capabilities
• Dual LCD screens; integrated speakerphone; supports polyphonic ringtones
• Bluetooth for handsfree devices; SMS text and MMS picture messaging; 10 MB memory (no expansion); organizer
• Up to 8 hours of talk time, up to 400 hours (16+ days) of standby time

The successor to the popular Motorola V190, the clamshell Moto V197 eliminates the external antenna and adds Bluetooth connectivity for easy handsfree communication. Nicely affordable and perfect for those who don’t want to deal with a lot of extras, this quad-band GSM phone is also great for global voice roaming. Other features include an external display, speakerphone, Java for applications and games, MP3 ringtone capability, and extra-long talk time of up to 10 hours.

This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider.

• Windows Mobile 6.1,TI, OMAP 850, 200MHz Processor,QWERTY keyboard and 2.8” touch-screen QVGA display,Unlocked 2.5G Smartphone for use on any GSM network,Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GSM/GPRS/EDGE,Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IrDA
• 2MP camera for picture or videoTalk time: Talk time up to 4 hours; 200 hours of standby,Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player,Outlook Contacts, Calendar and Tasks,Email and Internet Explorer

Enclosed with a rubber-finished black case, the M619 is a GPS smartphone designed for people who want a solid mobile device with larger QWERTY keyboard and QVGA color display (2.8″). The unlocked smartphone features 2.5G communications capability based on a quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular modems providing up to 4 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby. In addition, it offers free real-time traffic, gas prices, movie times and weather information.

The Traveler 619 is powered by the most advanced Windows Mobile 6 operating system, pre-loaded with Microsoft Outlook Mobile (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Inbox), Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Picture, Notes, ActiveSync, Calculator, Game, Voice Recorder, MSN Messenger, Media Player 10.