Posts Tagged ‘ unlocked cell phones ’

In sync with the progression of cellular phones within the last thirty years have been the cellular networks that give them their name, despite the fact that there have been many concerns regarding cell phone networks – from coverage and service to unlocked cell phones and contracts – few individuals completely understand exactly what a cell phone network is, or how it works. Excluding people that have unlocked cell phones, anyone using a mobile device most likely has a contract with a cell phone service provider, big companies like Verizon or AT&T currently being the two largest providers. What a cell phone user is actually paying for with their contract to these providers is the use of the cellular network they have established across the country – and abroad.

The network itself is just a network of fixed location transceivers often known as cell sites or base stations situated at fixed geographical locations over a wide area. The range of an specific base station where a cell phone can reliably connect differs depending on several factors, including the size and power of the station, along with geographical features and other environmental factors. The range of each tower comprises what is known as a cell.

Therefore, a cellular network is really a series of strategically positioned towers whose overlapping range of coverage is knit together, so that as long as a user is within range of at least one tower, they can get connected to the network and maintain a signal, even when moving between various cells. Verizon and AT&T have both managed to erect a cellular network that covers about 95% of the population within the continental US.

Once connected to the network, a signal or call could be forwarded to any other device that has been programmed (through a service provider contract) to the network. Moreover, cell phone signals received by cell sites can also be run from the cell tower through hard lines to reach standard telephones wired into a building or home.

Whenever a cell phone is purchased along with a cellular service provider, the device is automatically programmed for use with that company’s cellular network. As an example, iPhone users are contracted to AT&T, and therefore all of their calls are routed through AT&Ts network of base stations and cell sites. Unlocked cell phones are phones that have not been pre-programmed for virtually any particular network, allowing users to choose whichever cellular network works best for them.

This can be based on many factors unique to each company’s contract and terms of services, as pertains to the user’s needs and financial capabilities. However, the geographical solidarity of a cell network is arguably more vital, depending on where the user lives. In certain, more remote regions of the country, not all companies have any installations physically situated nearby, and therefore lack coverage.

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Before we begin I feel that it is important to explain that only some kinds of phones can be unlocked. Specifically phones that are compatible with the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network and have SIM Cards. GSM phones contain a small, removable card, known as a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module). This SIM Card is programmed with your carrier’s subscription information and it stores your phonebook information. A SIM card can be removed and placed into another GSM phone, allowing you to quickly switch handsets while keeping your contacts and carrier’s subscription information.
Now that we have cleared that up and you find that you fall into the proper category to be a candidate for an unlocked cell phone read on…
If you are a customer of any of the many wireless carriers that are using GSM SIM Card technology, including but not limited to such carriers as AT&T/Cingular, T-Mobile and Alltel, and your contract is expired or about to expire you might be hesitant to take the leap of signing a new 2 year contract just to get a small discount on a new phone (or perhaps a really cheap free phone).
Ask yourself this “Am I ready to commit to another 2 year contract just to get a discounted cell phone? or would I rather buy an unlocked phone and have my freedom back?” and let’s face it, the discounts given on new phones simply do not justify a new 2 year commitment. Why not look into getting yourself an unlocked cell phone.
You might be wondering “Are unlocked phones as good as the phones I get from my carrier?”, the answer is Yes, in fact when originally manufactured, all GSM SIM Card cell phones are unlocked. That means they can be used with any SIM card from any cell phone service provider, as long as they use the same frequency bands and they usually do. But your service provider locks them in order to lock you into their service. The cell phones you purchase unlocked are the same cell phones just without the restrictions!
“Are there other benefits of buying an unlocked cell phone?” Yes, you can also use unlocked cell phones Worldwide. As we all know when a phone is locked the wireless carrier that locked it forces you to pay what are usually very high roaming charges when you take your phone out of their network and use it elsewhere in the world. However, with an unlocked cell phone, you can travel anywhere in the world and simply buy a pre-paid GSM SIM Card from that location. After purchasing your GSM SIM Card you can then simply place it into the cell phones GSM SIM card slot (replacing your previous GSM SIM Card) and use the phone Worldwide without the ultra high costs.
So when it comes to cell phone and the question to commit or not to commit to a new 2 year cell phone contract? We strongly vote again it! Just say no and get your freedom back.

Currently there are several companies really pushing the envelope in terms of design and ground-breaking new features. The winner of this game of one-upmanship is you, the consumer.As cell phones become more and more a part of our everyday life, knowing a little bit more about these cell phone makers is a must.
The worlds most innovative cell phone companies:
Motorola
Motorola cell phones have been leading the way in the industry for decades. But it wasn’t until the release of the Motorola RAZR cell phone that the company became an integral part of the hip electronics scene. The RAZR caused a huge stir because it was one of the most striking phones ever designed. It just plain felt good in your hand, and people lined up to buy one. The RAZR is now on its second generation and is accompanied by a family of incredible Motorola cell phones including the smart phone and others.
Apple
Few companies have developed their brand as effectively and powerfully as Apple. Their computers and iPod music players have both taken the world by storm, but it wasnÂ’t until the company unleashed the iPhone that the public really went crazy. The iPhone is not only the most fun-to-use phone ever made, it incorporates music, visual voice mail and perhaps the greatest mobile web browser ever developed. People will literally line up for hours to get the latest version of the cell phone (an incredible feat given the current state of the economy).
Blackberry
Blackberry has become such a huge part of our culture that the name is actually been converted into a verb. To “blackberry” someone is to show the world that you are a multi-tasker supreme and connected to your business and personal life at all times. Blackberry’s most recent smart phone incorporates all kinds of innovative technology including high-speed Internet access, GPS tracking and full email capabilities.
L/G
The South Korean conglomerate is the second largest electronics company in the world, and is currently responsible for some of the most accessible cell phones on the market. LG cell phones focus on a younger audience by integrating music and texting and the primary features on the devices. These cell phones are small, but pack a tremendous amount of punch in terms of design and functionality.
Nokia
The original cell phone innovator is still going strong with a line of cell phones that lead the industry in terms of design. Nokia designers are rock stars in the industry because they know how to make functional cell phones that look amazing. You are never going to find as many features on Nokia cell phones as other brands, but you can be sure that they will be slimmest, easiest-to-use phones on the market.

When someone signs up for a new cell carrier plan, they often get a phone at a free or reduced rate with their contract. The cell phones that come with a carrier contract are almost always locked cell phones. This means that they only work with that specific carrier’s Subscriber Identification Module, or SIM, card, a microchip inserted into the phone to activate service. To put it simply, that person can only use that phone while still subscribed to that carrier’s network and, if they want to change carriers, they have to get a new phone.
An unlocked cell phone will work with any carrier’s SIM card. If an individual changes carriers, they simply have to insert a new SIM card into their unlocked cell phone, and the phone will be able to access that carrier’s network.
Cell phone carriers use locked cell phones to their advantage. By locking the cell phones and offering them as part of their contract, they retain more customers. The customer cannot change carriers without getting a new phone and possibly spending more money. Because certain carriers may have contracts with specific cell phone manufacturers, a customer may not be able to get the phone they want with the plan they have. The carriers argue that locking the phones helps them offer the phones at a discounted rate. Still, these phones leave the customer with few options.
An unlocked phone, on the other hand, can be used for years, even if the customer decides to change carriers. The customer has more options as to the type and style of cell phone they choose because they are not pinned down to the phones offered by their carrier. While the customer will have to buy the unlocked phone outright, perhaps spending more money initially, over time, they actually save more money. Plus, unlocked cell phones are much more convenient.
Unlocked cell phones are offered by third parties and are not connected with the carrier companies. On occasion, a cell carrier will unlock a locked phone after a period of time, but these previously locked phones don’t always work with all SIM cards, even once they’re unlocked. As unlocked cell phones become more popular, the overall price of phones should come down.
The U.S. is far behind the rest of the worl in unlocked cell phone sales. In other countries, the majority of cell phones sold are unlocked. In the United States, the majority are sold with contracts and are locked into a certain carrier. This is slowly changing and within a decade unlocked phones shouls surpass locked phone sales.