The Unlocked Cell Phone: How to Get the Newest Handsets Without Going Through a Carrier

One of the downsides of purchasing a cell phone from your mobile service provider, is that the selection they offer may not have the phone you want. Luckily, if you own a GSM phone (meaning that it has a SIM card) you can remove the SIM and put it in any other phone running on GMS networks (i.e. Cingular and T-Mobile) if it's an unlocked cell phone. If all of that sounds great to you, but you simply don't know how to begin to purchase an unlocked cell phone, here are a few tips to help you find a reliable unlocked cellphone for less:

1) Browse online stores. Cheap unlocked cell phones are available in many online stores. Sometimes you can find them in online mega-stores like Amazon, or even eBay. But you can also find better selection, and most likely, better deals by opting to shop at more specialized stores dedicated specifically to the sale of discount cell phones. Here you have more of a chance finding a name-brand cheap unlocked cell phone.

2) Unlock a currently locked phone with some software and technical skills. A GSM phone can be unlocked by punching in a code that can be provided (sometimes) by a carrier, or by purchasing a clip that uses a computer, special software, and a connection cable. This way can be pretty complicated, but there are many helpful tutorials and videos available online to guide you in your pursuit.

3) If you decide to purchase an unlocked cellphone, be sure to check the phone's frequencies. Often times when people are travelling overseas, they use unlocked cell phones. In order for them to work abroad they need differing frequencies, so you should double check what the frequencies are on the phone that you're planning on purchasing. The international frequency standards for mobile phones are 900-MHz and 1800-MHz. America's standards are 850-MHz and 1900-MHz signals, so if you plan to buy one overseas and have it shipped, double check the frequencies. Also, an unlocked quad band phone will guarantee international compatibility.

4) Configure the phone's browser. One of the smaller issues one faces when purchasing an unlocked cellphone is that it won't be customized for your carrier's data features. In other words, getting internet and other service up and running will require a bit of tweaking with the browser—nothing someone with internet experience can't handle.

5) Check the warranty or insurance plan. If you are purchasing from a reputable site, you should have the option when checking out, of purchasing a warranty or insurance plan. It's generally a good idea to purchase a warranty or insurance plan if offered, just so you have a parachute if anything goes wrong with your phone. It's recommended that you read all the fine print and familiarize yourself with the details of the plan.

All in all, buying an unlocked cell phone is a great way to get the newest, hippest handsets without having to opt for lengthy contract extensions or huge price tags that often come with purchasing from your carrier.