0
When purchasing cell phones, there are two varieties to choose from; locked and unlocked phones. Locked phones are those that are ties to only one wireless carrier and require a contract with that carrier, whether pre-paid or yearly. Unlocked phones allow the purchaser to go to any carrier he wishes without being locked into one.
Many people opt for locked phones with a contract because of the lower cost required to purchase the phone and the plans. However, over time considering the cost of the monthly contract over one or two years added to the cost of purchasing the phones, purchasing a locked phone cold cost much more than shelling out the cash upfront for an unlocked phone.
As an example, the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G phones are offered as both locked and unlocked for $150 and $400, respectively. If a customer purchases the unlocked phone for $400 and pays for the $60, 500 minutes a month text, voice and data plan, over two years of service, the total comes to $1,840. While this may seem as a lot of money to pay over two years, consider the following. The same phone purchased locked and on contract with the same 500-minute plan costs $2,070.
This is because T-Mobile adds $20 a month to the voice and data plan to cover the cost of the subsidized phone. Either way, the customer is paying the $400, however given the convenience factor, customers always pay more for subsidized phones. This is because over the course of 24 months, the phone is paid off well before the end of the contract, but the carrier continues to charge the same price for the plan regardless so that while they have already recouped the cost of the phone, the customer is still paying extra.
This formula is seen with all carriers and with all locked and unlocked cell phone comparisons. In most cases, the differences in the comparison amounts are much higher, especially with some of the pricier phones. When deciding on purchasing a phone, make sure to cover all points before deciding on a locked or unlocked phone.
What else can I help you with?
what is an unlocked cell phone ?
what is an unlocked cell phone
Where can I find an unlocked nokia 6131 phone online?
You can find an unlocked nokia 6131 phone online on major sites like eBay, craigslist. However, try http://www.mobilecityonline.com/ because they carry a large number of GSM unlocked phones for every company. However, on craigslist, you can find a cheaper unlocked phone than the mobile city, but the choice is up to you.
What are the benefits of having an unlocked phone?
Having an unlocked phone allows you to use the phone with different carriers. Keep in mind some services may not function on an unlocked phone.
Where can I find an unlocked cell phone to buy?
Best buy offers unlocked phones, which would guarantee good condition and even a warranty to protect your purchase. For an cheaper option, overstock.com gives you discount pricing and shipping.
Who likes to text?
The majority of mobile phone owners like to text as it is an easier and often cheaper alternative to calling someone.
What kind of company is Net10 Phones?
Net10 phones is one of the newest phone companies on the market. They offer a cheaper alternative to typical phone services offered by their competitors.
You bought a unlocked phone how do you activate it?
Take it into a phone company that offer's the use of unlocked phones and they should activate it for you.
What is a unlocked cell phone?
An unlocked cell phone is a mobile device that is not tied to a specific carrier or service provider. This means that the phone is not restricted to a particular network and can be used with different carriers, as long as they are compatible with the phone's hardware. Unlocked phones offer greater flexibility, especially if you're considering switching carriers or traveling internationally. You can simply insert a new SIM card from the carrier of your choice, and you're good to go. Advantages of an Unlocked Phone: Flexibility: You can switch carriers easily without having to purchase a new phone. Cost Savings: No need to buy a new phone when you change service providers. International Use: Ideal for travelers who can use local SIM cards for cheaper rates. Better Resale Value: Unlocked phones generally have a higher resale value compared to locked phones. How to Unlock a Phone: Unlocking a phone can vary depending on the carrier and the phone model. However, the general steps usually involve contacting your carrier for an unlock code or using third-party services to unlock the phone.
Do you have to have a virgin phone if you are with virgin?
No. Get you phone unlocked if you are not sure.
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.
Where can you get free phone to buy in US?
You can buy an unlocked phone online. It is a cheaper and less time consuming way. Most well known online stores are Ebay and Amazon. Wherever you buy, you have to make sure it is a TRUSTED website.
Can you use a nokia sim card with a Motorola phone if the phone is unlocked?
If both the SIM you want to use and the phone you want to use it on are unlocked, then this is possible.
