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Unlocking a smartphone allows the user to access different providers' networks, not just the provider to which they subscribe. This is a necessity for Americans who travel overseas but need access to their smartphones, as most US-based wireless providers do not offer service outside the US and sometimes Canada.

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Q: What causes a smartphone to need to be unlocked?
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Related questions

Can i insert sun sim card to smartphone?

If the smartphone has been unlocked from all networks - yes.


What is the advantage of getting a cheap unlocked smartphone?

If you buy a smartphone from a provider, the chances that it's not unlocked are high. This means that you cannot use a simcard from a different provider in your phone. It can be handy to have a unlocked phone when you change providers or when you want to sell your phone.


Where can one purchase an unlocked Motorola smartphone?

Amazon, Overstock, eBay, Newegg and the Motorola companies webpage or stores would be the best places to purchase an unlocked smartphone. The only way to know for sure any cell phone is unlocked is to buy the phone in person.


Where can unlocked smartphones be purchased in London?

Unlocked smartphones may be purchased on ebay for use in London. If you look there, you should be able to find a unlocked smartphone for sale to use in London.


Will Verizon q smartphone work in India?

i have at-mobile blackberry and once they unlocked the phone, i could use it in india.


Could you buy a smartphone in the US sim free and then use it in UK using my old simcard?

yes but you need to make sure the phone is unlocked so it will be able to work with any simcard


Can you buy any phone and activate it on any network?

Only if it is an unlocked smartphone. For example you can buy an unlocked Droid for version and put an at&t SM card in it and it would work but it if you buy a lock Droid it wouldn't work.


Where can I get the best deal on a smartphone?

There are many places where you might consider looking for deals on smartphones. You could purchase an unlocked smart phone from Amazon. On the other hand, you could probably get a deal on a smartphone with a contract from a provider, for example T-mobile.


Where can I sell my cell phone for the best price?

If you have a smartphone, those are currently still a pretty hot commodity on the open market. Your best bet for an unlocked smartphone would be go head to eBay and create a listing there, advertising your phone model and specs with your asking price.


Do you need to have a data plan to use a Verizon Wireless Smartphone?

No


Is blackberry 8520 a smartphone?

yes, it is a smartphone.


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