Unlocked Cell Phones
Most GSM based phones are designed to use a Subscriber Identification Module, or SIM, to store your personal subscriber data. The SIM card is generally issued by a carrier and provides cell service by activating any phone into which it is inserted. A mobile that is not among the contract free phones, however, will only recognize a SIM card from a particular carrier. This locking software is the way cell phone service providers force you stay loyal to their company. But from a consumer’s viewpoint, this practice of locking phones defeats many of the benefits of using SIM phones.
One way to get around this problem is to shop for already unlocked cell phones. While these phones will generally cost more than their counterparts that include a plan, they have the distinct advantage of being able to be used with any carrier that uses SIM cards. There are some great websites online that will unlock your cell phone for a small fee. This process will allow you to use your phone with any SIM card regardless of which provider you bought it from. With a sim free cell phone you never have to worry about roaming charges and have the freedom to switch service providers as often as you like.