GSM Technology

Cell Phone carriers in the United States and around the world operate over two various types of networks: Code Division Several Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Though each technologies transmits voice and data, they do so in distinct techniques, making a phone incompatible if you do not have the appropriate plan. As a result, you can’t take a CDMA phone and use it on GSM or vice versa. GSM phones can be taken to use in other countries as well (as long as the frequency is compatible – please see section below on dual band / tri band / quad band phones).

Verizon, Sprint, Cricket, Alltel, US Cellular, Cellular South all operate making use of CDMA networks. You will want to come across a phone that mentions “CDMA” in the description. If the description says works for Verizon the phone will only work on the Verizon network, and the same for Sprint, Alltel, US Cellular, Cellular South, Metro PCS, Cricket, etc.

AT&T, T-Mobile, FIDO, Vodafone, Orange and Rogers Wireless and many other Global GSM Provider worldwide operate on a “GSM” network. If the phone specifically says “guaranteed to work with AT&T” for example, the phone is presently “locked” and will only work with AT&T and the same for T-Mobile and so on. These phones generally can quickly be unlocked to be used with any GSM carrier that uses a sim card for a small fee (ranging from -) and the capacity to unlock the phone depends on the model of phone you purchase.

GSM Unlocked Cell Phones -

If the phone states “Unlocked” in the title and / or description you can just take out your sim card from your existing GSM phone and place it into another unlocked GSM phone. If the description says unlocked , you can use it on any GSM network worldwide. Only GSM phones can be unlocked so please look for the word GSM in the description. Also, you should make sure that the frequencies supported by the phone are compatible with your current wireless provider. Listed below are a couple of of the a lot more well-known carriers and the frequencies they operate on. You may just want to do a fast google search to see what frequency a distinct phone / carrier operates on to assure you will have the clearest reception with your phone.

Can my Verizon / Alltel / Sprint / US Cellular / Cellular South phone be unlocked?

No, sorry… All the carriers mentioned above operate on CDMA networks and therefore can not be unlocked. Maintain in mind that only GSM phones can be unlocked. Some CDMA phones are now dual compatible with GSM Sim cards in order to be employed internationally, but for the most part CDMA phones can not be unlocked.

Can my AT&T / Cingular / T-Mobile / Rogers phone be unlocked?

Yes! Well for the most component. Most GSM phones can be unlocked. All the carriers mentioned above operate on GSM ntworks. All these wireless providers, provide you with a sim card upon activation. If you have an AT&T phone and you want to use your present service plan with one more AT&T phone, all you have to do is take out your sim card and location it in the other AT&T phone and you can use the phone freel. If your phone uses a GSM Sim Card, it can be unlocked. Locking a phone is a carriers way to avoid its customers from switching over to phones with other carriers. Once a particular carrier has you, they do not want to let you go effortlessly. Carriers also have deals with big cell phone manufacturers to make specific phone exclusive to them and they pay huge $ $ $ to try and prevent men and women from quickly being able to use their phones on other networks.