Cellular telephones have been engrained in today's society. The number of people using cellular technology today is higher than ever and is still climbing. In November 2007 it was estimated that over 83% of the US population had a cell phone. Cell phones have popped up in popularity due to their convenience. Today's phones offer more features than early computers did and can truly be a one-stop resource center for a busy person's daily activities (calendar, contacts, email, web browsing, music player, GPS, even television).

As convenient as cell phones are, what is not convenient is the way that most cellular service providers treat their customers. If your phone breaks or your lose it, providers are eager to prey on your weak state by charging you exorbitant amounts of money for a new phone, a new contract, or to get out of your old contract. That same phone that was free when you signed a two-year agreement is now $250.00 at full retail price, and the representative isn't willing to listen to you about cutting some sort of deal.

This is one example of a time when it pays (literally and figuratively) to have the option of shopping with a third party cell phone provider. Typically, these companies only sell phones and don't deal with contracts or activation costs or anything like that. You simply buy a phone from them and activate it on whatever network you belong to. No new contract is required. There's not an additional activation fee. You activate the new phone and continue on as if nothing ever happened.

Typically, third party cell phone vendors sell phones that are used, refurbished, and/or unlocked. A brief explanation of each of these terms follows:

Used: A used cell phone is exactly what it sounds like. This phone belonged to somebody at one point in time and was used as their cellular device for a period of time that is usually unknown. You'll find a variety of phones in a variety of positions - from barely used phones that look brand new to phones that have seen better days. If you're looking at used phones, be sure to buy one that is for your network/cellular service provider. Most used phones only work on one network, unless they have been "unlocked" (see below).

Refurbished: Refurbished phones are phones that were returned or found to be defective in some small way and were sent back to the factory for repairs. At the factory, any glitches were fixed and the phone was sent back out in "like new" condition. Like used phones, refurbished cell phones are typically only capable of working on one, maybe two, networks. However, refurbished phones are unlike used phones in that they are fresh from the factory. It is assumed that all problems with the phone have been taken care of and the phone should operate on par with brand new phones of the same model.

Unlocked: An unlocked cell phone is a phone that was designed to operate on one cellular network but has been altered to be able to operate on multiple networks. Unlocked phones can be found in New, Used, or Refurbished condition. The advantage of buying an unlocked phone is that they are more versatile than unlocked phones. To activate an unlocked phone on a particular network, all you need is a SIM card for that network. Therefore, if your old phone dies, you can simply take the SIM card out and put it into a new unlocked phone. The new phone will be activated on your network and you will be able to go on with your day as if nothing happend - even things like your contacts will be transferred from one phone to another. This is also beneficial when travelling internationally. Instead of paying a lot of money on expensive international calls, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card in your destination country and operate on the network over there as if you are still at home.