vB Easy Archive - quick question about unlocked phones

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quick question about unlocked phones
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Posted by: bpm30

If you buy a new phone online or those independant cellphone stores, are they already unlocked? (since they haven't been activated to any one specific provider)

Posted by: efparri

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpm30

If you buy a new phone online or those independant cellphone stores, are they already unlocked? (since they haven't been activated to any one specific provider)

Locked or unlocked applies only to GSM phones. You would have to inquire at the point of sale whether the phone is unlocked. GSM phones are not activated. A carrier may have a phone customized with the features it wants and to take advantage of personalized settings for that network. A SIM card from the carrier is placed in the phone to obtain service.

In the case of CDMA phones, the phone has to be in the database of the carrier with which you want service. If the phone qualifies, the CDMA carrier will either give you instructions for programming the phone or do it themselves. You cannot just start using a CDMA phone. You should be wary of claims of unlocked CDMA phones. If the carrier will not activate the phone you are out of luck with no recourse.

Posted by: bpm30

Thx for the response.

I was talking about GSM phones. For the independant stores that sell them w/o sim card, I take it that you can use any simcard with the phone and it would work... would that not mean that the phone is unlocked?

Posted by: efparri

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpm30

Thx for the response.

I was talking about GSM phones. For the independant stores that sell them w/o sim card, I take it that you can use any simcard with the phone and it would work... would that not mean that the phone is unlocked?

Unlocked means that the GSM phone is not tied to a particular wireless carrier. You should require that the seller demonstrate that the phone is unlocked by trying SIM cards from two different carriers in the phone. Cingular is one of the most difficult wireless carriers to try to configure the MMS and WAP settings for non-Cingular branded phones. Motorola phones seem to be easiest to configure because they have more settings which can be modified to suit the needs of Cingular. Phones from China or Hong Kong might have the most features but often lack English menus or manuals.

Posted by: bpm30

Thanks for the thorough replies efparri!