Technical Questions: What is an Unlocked Phone?

An Unlocked Cell Phone is a GSM phone that can be used with different GSM compatible carriers worldwide. To get the phone working, all that is needed to do is put the carrier's SIM card into the phone. Unlocked phones can be used within the United States using T-Mobile, Cingular, AT&T etc. and with many other GSM service providers in the world provided the frequencies on the phone match those of the carrier. On each phone's product page there is a compatibility check for carriers to help you decide better. Also, Quad Band phones utilize all GSM frequencies and are universally supported by all GSM carriers.

There are two types of Unlocked cell phones offered on our website:

OEM Unlocked phones
These phones come directly from the manufacturer (like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, etc. from overseas) and have not been assigned to any service provider/operator. These phones come in manufacturer's original packaging. OEM phones do not have any service provider's logos or customization. They can be configured for Internet and MMS settings with other providers. There is international warranty on all OEM unlocked phones.
 
Carrier/Operator Unlocked phones
These Unlocked phones from Carrier/Operator are the phones that were originally locked to specific service provider (like T-Mobile, Cingular etc) and then unlocked by means of unlocking codes or software. These phones usually have carrier's/operator’s customization in the menu and logos; and may not be configured for Internet and MMS settings with other providers. These phones carry local warranty of the country where the carrier operates.