The primary advantage of an unlocked cell phone is the flexibility to use any carrier serving your area. Cell phones locked by telecommunications companies do not allow users to switch out SIM cards until contracts are complete. An unlocked cell phone is not completely devoted to a single carrier, which provides flexibility for users tired of onerous contracts. Another advantage of using unlocked cell phones is avoiding heated sales pitches at phone kiosks and stores. After acquiring an unlocked cell phone, the owner can simply switch out the SIM card and find services online to meet their needs.
Disadvantages Of Unlocked Cell Phones
Cell phone users excited to shop for unlocked cell phones are confronted quickly with the main disadvantage of these products. An unlocked cell phone is not tied to a specific carrier, which discourages lowered retail prices by the original carrier. The subsidized price for a locked phone from Samsung©, Nokia©, or Motorola© comes from the retailer’s desire to attract long-term consumers. As you search for unlocked cell phones, you will find that these products are available at prices ranging from $300 to $700 USD. The other disadvantage of using an unlocked cell phone is the lack of high-level service from a cell phone provider. Locked cell phones are protected by insurance, warranties, and other services guaranteed by two-year contracts.
Target Markets For Unlocked Cell Phones
Providers of unlocked cell phones focus on consumers in Asia rather than North American and Europe because of differences in phone networks. A majority of cell phones sold in Japan, China, and other Asian countries are unlocked because of the widespread use of SIM-friendly networks. While mobile phone providers are loosening their networks, most American consumers stick to locked cell phones favorable to the frequently used CDMA network. Cell phone providers in North America are trending toward unlocked cell phones, but this trend cannot continue without changes in phone networks.
The unlocked cell phone market is popular among younger consumers interested in flexibility instead of low upfront costs. These consumers search for the latest cell phones freed from their bounds and available at dozens of retailers on the Internet. Another target market for retailers of unlocked cell phones is the jet setter, whether it is a busy executive or an intrepid traveler heading into remote areas. These consumers can switch from one carrier to another as they head overseas, thanks to unlocked cell phones.
Cell2Get©
Cell2Get© (http://www.cell2get.com/) is a provider of unlocked cell phones approved for privacy and affordability by ShopperScanned. This online retailer offers brands ranging from Apple© to Vertu© to accommodate consumers with various brand preferences. Your search of Cell2Get’s© inventory shows unlocked cell phones from providers such as Alltel© and Verizon©. Cell2Get© carries accessories like Bluetooth headsets, SIM cards, and extended warranties to add value to your unlocked cell phone. Cell2Get© extended its services recently to include remote phone switching, helping customers crack open their existing phones for small fees. After you have purchased an unlocked cell phone from Cell2Get©, you can expect your new phone to arrive within three business days.
CellHut.com®
CellHut.com® (http://www.cellhut.com/) focuses on providing the broadest range of phones and services possible for unlocked phone users. This company offers a 14-day return policy on each phone to give customers chances to test out their products. CellHut.com® goes beyond credit cards and wire payments to Google Checkout, PayPal, and other online payment methods for its phones. The Ringtones Section alone shows that CellHut.com® cares more about serving its customers over the long term than hurrying users into expensive purchases.
CellHut.com® offers myriad search tools to help you find an unlocked cell phone. The main page lists phone brands such as Blackberry©, Motorola©, and Nokia© if you are a brand loyalist. The Today’s Deal feature highlights an unlocked cell phone priced lower than retail for 24 hours. The Coming Soon section teases gadget fans with the latest phones and PDAs ready to hit CellHut.com® in the next month. CellHut.com® even carries CDMA-enabled phones by Verizon Wireless© for fans of this carrier’s products.
Pure Mobile©
Pure Mobile© (http://www.puremobile.com/) competes with other providers of unlocked cell phones with unparalleled service. The online order tracking feature at Pure Mobile© gives customers the power to track their phones from shipment to delivery. Pure Mobile© uses online help Mondays through Fridays to assist prospective customers with phone purchases, questions, and problems. This company offers discounted rates for high-volume purchases from businesses from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Pure Mobile© presents its inventory of unlocked cell phones in multiple formats for easy searches. The New Phones section highlights the latest unlocked phones hitting Pure Mobile© each month. The Best Sellers area allows Pure Mobile© users to follow in the footsteps of their peers by buying high-selling phones. The Deal of the Week is available from the main page and presents a deep discount on unlocked phone models.
Cellular Country©
Cellular Country© (http://www.cellularcountry.com/) attracts consumers to its unlocked cell phone inventory, thanks to exemplary add-ons. Every unlocked phone offered at Cellular Country© is covered by the provider’s 30-day warranty. This provider of unlocked cell phones sends out products and accessories the same day as ordered using UPS. Your unlocked cell phone from Cellular Country© arrives with a free phone charger to get started with a full battery.
Every unlocked cell phone is graded Good or Excellent to help you make an informed decision. The Good mark indicates some slight wear on a cell phone, while the Excellent mark is attached to a phone in like-new condition. Cellular Country© carries unlocked cell phones from brands ranging from Audiovox© to Sony©. If you are looking for discounted rates on unlocked cell phones, you can head to the Specials section at Cellular Country© to find a deal.
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