question about "unlocked phones" and networks

[noisy doll☆]

Though it doesn't seem that they do, will "unlocked phones" that you buy outside of a contract with a service work on the Verizon network? And if they don't, then why not? I haven't seen any offers for "unlocked" phones that seem compatible with the Verizon network, but if it's really impossible to get a Motorola PEBL or SLVR (I want the pink phone, damnit =D), then maybe it really is time for me to strike it out and get my own cellphone service contract outside of my family's plan. I'm fed up with Verizon never giving me signal anywhere, anyway.

What is a GSM network, anyway?

Also, if I were going to switch services to one that will work with these phones, which is the best? I've heard that my choices are T-Mobile, Cingular, and AT&T Wireless. Anybody got advice on that?

(hooray 100th post!)

[ruri]

Verizon has always worked for me, with the expection of TGA but I was too fucking lazy to charge my phone anyway~

ps I want a pink phone/ds too

(hooray 1000th token post!)

[I AM THE PROPHECY.]

Everything I've ever seen about unlocked phones suggests that they require a SIM card on some form of network to work, so this would involve dropping Verizon and going to T-Mobile or some other similar provider. I think that's what you're asking? And I might be wrong!

[kimcicle]

Most, if not all, unlocked phones run off the GSM network, which is one of the many telecom standards set aside for cell phones. Verizon, along with Sprint, still use the CDMA standard, which is incompatable with GSM.

The key difference is that the GSM networks utilize detachable SIM cards, which can be swapped between phones easily. Hence the large market for unlocked phones that run off the GSM network, just incase yours breaks, or you are in the market for an upgrade.

So yes, if you want to get a new snazzy unlocked phone from the internet, you'll have to switch providers to a GSM US provider. Moving your information between CDMA phones is a pain in the ass to do.

As for service, a lot of people talk about T-Mobile being good, same with Cingular. I use T-Mobile and have used unlocked phones for the past two years or so with no problems.

[noisy doll☆]

Yeah, I did a little research last night after posting and came up with pretty much the same answers. Luckily I managed to find some decent deals on both of these phones with an online Cingular dealer. If I'm going to switch services anyway, I may as well get the subsidized phone with the new plan. Nobody seems to have the pink PEBL attached with a plan though, so I think I may have to forget about that one unless I want to pay 150-200 dollars just for the handset.

[Geschpooklichkeit]

What are the advantages of unlocked phones? I heard it involves disassembly and contact points.

[HioMrSan]

I'd say Cingular is the best, even though I use T-mobile. Unlocked phones allow you to simply swap your sim card from your current GSM phone and use it on the new phone without any setup pretty much. So if you break your new 300 dollar phone, and are in the middle of a contract, you can just get some cheap unlocked phone from the internet for 30 dollars. Use that until your contract runs out and you can get the rebates. I'd go with a GSM phone just on the offchance you ever want to go overseas somewhere with your cell phone.

[kimcicle]

Originally Posted by jme a. calwell III

What are the advantages of unlocked phones? I heard it involves disassembly and contact points.

Unlocked telephones allow users to use a phone of their choice, not the phones provided by the service provider. Broken phones can be replaced with an unlocked phone instead of paying hefty fines through the service provider. The more popular unlocked phones usually come from Europe, where the cellphones are nicer than the ones sold in the United States.

Most Nokia phones can be unlocked through some input codes. Most phones only require being plugged into a special machine that would lock the phone into a provider and undo the lock.

[Geschpooklichkeit]

Is there some reliable online outlet for these unlocked phones?

[kimcicle]

Originally Posted by jme a. calwell III

Is there some reliable online outlet for these unlocked phones?

If you don't want to go the eBay route, I get my phones through myworldphone.com

The prices might shock you at first, but you gotta remember that cell phone companies absorb the initial hit so that you can sign the contract through them in which they always make it up.

[Nomi]

Get rid of Verizon, plain and simple. You'd need to have a SIM-card (ie, Cingulair or T-Mobile_ phone/carrier in order to use unlocked phones.

Man, fuck Verizon.

[t('' )]

Ebay usually has plenty of cheap unlocked phones. I saw a couple doing that 0.01 cent no reserve thing and had it stay at 1 cent.

[Paul]

Alot of places "in the wall" for example unlock phones for like $5.00.

Places in Boston do it all the time. Look for an autherized place that sells phones but is not too public and just seems they don't get business, they'll do it.