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Yes. The phone is 'locked' using a computer program - by the carrier that the phone was originally supplied by. They only do this - so they recover the manufacturing costs of the 'free' handset from the first user. However - there are ways to unlock the phone so that it can be used on any network.
What else can I help you with?
How can someone get their cell phone unlocked?
You can get your cell phone unlocked through the cell phone carrier you are subscribed to. For example, if you are with Wind Wireless, there is an option on the website to unlock your phone.
Are cell phone plans usable with any cell phone?
No. Each carrier has allowed cell phones for their carrier. If you have a GSM carrier though, you can buy an unlocked phone to use on that carrier even if the carrier doesn't support the phone. All you do is move your sim card.
Does a unlocked cell phone need a contract?
An unlocked cell phone means that it can be used with any carrier. It does not have to have a contract; however, it can have a phone line on it. (any phone line, not just at&t, verizon, & sprint)
what is an unlocked cell phone ?
what is an unlocked cell phone
Will an unlocked Sidekick cell phone need a SIM card to work?
Any cell phone that is unlocked requires a SIM card to work. If you own a Sidekick cell phone that is unlocked you are able to use a carrier other than T-Mobile. For this reason, it will require a SIM card to work.
Will an unlocked cell phone be able to get pictures messages with any carrier?
Once you register it with your provider, yes.
Can you use your old Verizon cell phone for another cell phone company?
No, phones are programmed for the carrier, so if it was a Verizon phone, it was programmed for Verizon. It will not work on another carrier.
Can you forward calls from another cell phone carrier to a att cell phone?
Yeah totally.
Where can I buy a cell phone online that will go with my carrier?
You can buy cell phones that are compatible with any carrier at Ebay.com. They sell a variety of new and used phones that are unlocked and ready to be activated.
How do you find out what service provider a cell phone is under?
With most major carriers it will have the carrier name or logo somewhere on the phone. If it is unlocked it can go on any carrier with the same technology. All carriers are identified by their ICCID number
What is the purpose and benefits of an international cell phone?
Some cell phones are designed to use a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card, or microchip that stores subscriber data. The SIM card is issued by a carrier and provides cell service by activating any phone into which it is inserted. A locked phone, however, will only recognize a SIM card from a particular carrier. If the cell phone is unlocked, it will recognize a SIM card from any carrier. The "lock" is a software setting that keeps the cell phone "loyal" to one carrier.
How can one use an unlocked mobile phone?
As long as one can obtain a SIM card from any cell carrier, an unlocked mobile phone can be used on any carrier. Also, if one is travelling overseas and obtain an international SIM card, calls can be made much more cheaply.
