There are a number of websites that offer cell phones unlocked, so no matter what your plan, you can now have any phone on the market.  An unlocked cell phone will enable users of any network to keep their plan, but that is not sold by their contract holder.  Cell phones can be purchased new or used, and are often available at a lesser cost than the standard retail price.  There is no longer any need for your provider of choice to dictate the model of cell phone you can use.

 The feature that enables cell phones to be unlocked is the Subscriber Information Module (SIM) chip.  The SIM chip, and not the phone, handles the communication between the phone and the service provider.  Most SIM chips are a standard size, and can fit into phones by any manufacturer, regardless of the service provider.  These chips operate in place of a serial number, and act as the phone’s identification system.  Changing a phone’s SIM chip will ensure that your plan and phone number will remain the same, and service will not be interrupted when a new phone is purchased.  All information, including contacts and pictures, will be retained as well.

These chips are found in all GSM phones.  GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communication, refers to a universal network that enables phone calls to be made using whichever network is currently available.  This network is used when a customer is “roaming” whether domestically or abroad.  Not all carriers in the United States take advantage of GSM systems, but unlocked GSM cell phones will work well with T-Mobile, AT&T or almost any European or international provider.  Most unlocked cell phones are those that are compatible with GSM service.  Before choosing a phone, check and see if your provider uses GSM or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.  A good rule of thumb is that if your phone has a SIM chip, you are on the GSM network.  If it does not, you are on CDMA.  These are incompatible networks, and phones may only be used on one or the other.

In addition to changing the SIM card, a phone must also be unlocked.  If you have already purchased the phone you wish to use, you may send it to a company that knows how to unlock cell phones.  They usually provide this service for a small fee, and at the customer’s request, can also take care of installing a SIM chip into the new phone.  Once a cell phone is unlocked, it may be used be used immediately by the carrier who provided the SIM chip.  Some websites also offer guidance on how a customer can unlock a cell phone himself or herself.

There are a number of dealers who sell cheap unlocked cell phones.  Their stock typically introduces new models immediately after they are offered by their carrier.  These phones ensure that there is no need to pay punishing fees to end contracts early to get the newest phone on a different network.  Instead, users can keep their phone numbers and current plans with cell phones unlocked.  Before making your purchase, ask a dealer or consult their website to make sure that your current plan is compatible with the new phone and that it already allows for data usage and other options that will ensure full use of the phone at no additional charge.  These sites often operate online, and may even give customer’s warranties for any phones purchased.  As always, before providing credit card information, make sure that it is a secure site representing a reputable business.

Most providers do not have a firm policy about cell phones unlocked.  They may discourage the practice, which could deter some customers from getting their phone of choice.  Yet, there have been no legal challenges to this practice.  A contract with a service provider typically covers on the network that you will use and the amount that will be paid monthly.  The phone that a customer uses is completely up to them.  With the number of unlocked cell phones currently in use without any action being taken, and the fact that the customer is the sole owner of the phone and SIM chip, one can feel secure with cell phones unlocked.