What Does Unlocked Mean?
Scott,
In VERY GENERAL terms it means a handset that has a programming code preventing that particular handset from operating on more than 1 network or its affiliates.
Generally speaking, it applies to GSM handsets sold in the US by the major GSM carriers (T-Moble and Cingular). Sometimes you can get the unlock code from the carrier or another source and use another carrier's SIM (subscriber information module)card in your handset. There are many worldwide GSM carriers, and for example, in Europe a lot of folks carry one handset with many SIM cards. When they change into different countries, they exchange SIM cards to another carrier to prevent roaming charges.
There are "locking" applications for CDMA (Sprint, Verizon, Alltel et...
(continues)
In VERY GENERAL terms it means a handset that has a programming code preventing that particular handset from operating on more than 1 network or its affiliates.
Generally speaking, it applies to GSM handsets sold in the US by the major GSM carriers (T-Moble and Cingular). Sometimes you can get the unlock code from the carrier or another source and use another carrier's SIM (subscriber information module)card in your handset. There are many worldwide GSM carriers, and for example, in Europe a lot of folks carry one handset with many SIM cards. When they change into different countries, they exchange SIM cards to another carrier to prevent roaming charges.
There are "locking" applications for CDMA (Sprint, Verizon, Alltel et...
(continues)
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