I am currently using AT&T for phone service and I want to purchase a cell phone. But I just upgraded a few months ago. I was wondering what are unlocked cell phones. Can u purchase those for without commiting to a 2 yr contract?
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Answer by Shaun
Unlocked phones aren't tied to any one provider. A locked phone is where, if for example it was ATT and you put a Verizon SIM in it wouldn't work. Unlocked can take any SIM.
What do you think? Answer below!
Unlocked simply means it is not "locked" into a specific carrier; like sprint, verizon, ATT, etc... An unlocked phone is compatible through all carriers as long as the voice and data network is compatible; ie Edge, 3G, EVDO, REV2, etc.... Also, there are different ranges of compatibility, such as dual and quad band phones...
ReplyDeleteIt will be more expensive to purchase a new phone w/o a contract, but is certainly doable. You'll just need to switch the SIM card from your old phone... However, if you have a data plan as well, you'll need to contact AT&T, because data goes by the phones ESN as well as SIM cards.
Also, note some phones can be unlocked by simply entering an unlock code. Though that is rare,and the only one I know of is the Samsung BlackJack.
Ohhh, yeah unlocked phones. Well they cost ridiculous amounts of money (since there's no contract that the phone company can make up for the costs of the phone) and they're pretty pointless. If you're so unhappy with your phone, see if complaining to AT&T can help you. You can purchase any unlocked phone without a 2 year contract because they are unlocked. These phones can work with almost any carriers (though I am a bit unsure of Verizon and AT&T because their SIM cards can be built into the battery). If you're going to buy an unlocked phone, I would only see the point if the phone you want is on another carrier. If not, you can purchase direct through AT&T for a lot more money, but at least all the functions will work. Some functions - ie internet - don't work on unlocked phones. I wouldn't recommend this, but if you really want to waste your money on them, feel free. You can go into the AT&T store and shell out the same amount of cash as an unlocked phone.
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