At first blush, unlocked cell phones seem like welcome alternatives to traditional “locked” phones from AT&T©, Verizon©, and other carriers. An unlocked cell phone is not hardwired to serve a single carrier, which means that a user can switch services at will. Your unlocked cell phone can switch from service to service by simply replacing the SIM card. This flexibility is useful for phone owners tired of the restrictions set by carriers within traditional two-year contracts. The initial investment in an unlocked cell phone is worthwhile to active phone users not penned in by carrier networks.
Your search for the right unlocked cell phone will reveal several liabilities when purchasing these products. The primary problem with unlocked cell phones is the upfront costs for brand-name phones. Cell phone carriers offer popular phones and PDAs at discounted prices in exchange for extended commitments by customers to their services. Unlocked cell phones sold online range from $200 to $700 per unit without subsidization from telecommunications companies. Another problem with unlocked cell phones is the lack of carrier-installed software and features that make “locked” phones worthwhile. You may end up downloading infected or outdated software for your unlocked cell phone instead of acquiring a phone with pre-installed features.
Unlocked Cell Phone Markets
Retailers of unlocked cell phones focus on gadget fans, young consumers, and travelers when selling their products. As the latest phones hit the unlocked phone market, fans of smart phones and other gadgets flock to the Internet to find the best deals. The typical gadget fan acquires an unlocked cell phone with the intent of finding the right service for their needs. Young professionals and new graduates with expendable income invest in unlocked cell phones to avoid long-term contracts. Business travelers rely on unlocked cell phones to stay in touch with their colleagues, clients, and family during international travel. These consumers avoid roaming charges by hopping from one provider to another across the world.
The unlocked cell phone trade is divided along geographical as well as generational lines. The typical American consumer may not be aware that unlocked cell phones exist because of the strict telecommunications networks in the United States. These “locked” phones cannot be switched from service to service unless authorized by service providers. Consumers in Asia and Europe, however, flood overwhelmingly to unlocked cell phones, thanks to more flexible phone networks. These geographical differences will subside in time as telecommunications companies begin to offer unlocked cell phones from their kiosks and online stores. In the meantime, American consumers in search of unlocked cell phones need to find online retailers they can trust with their money.
USTronics®
USTronics® (http://www.ustronics.com/) offers unlocked cell phones and accessories designed for global trekkers. Aside from a broad selection of unlocked cell phones, USTronics® offers pre-paid SIM cards for mobile carriers around the world. The website features a scroll-down menu of 125 countries where these SIM cards can be used. USTronics® is so accommodating to international travelers that part of its business comes from state and federal agencies looking for flexible communications options.
Your experience with USTronics® can start with the website’s phone configurator. This tool allows you to choose features like MP3 players, organizers, and Microsoft Office compatibility to find your next phone. USTronics® carries satellite phones from Globalstar©, Thuraya©, and Iridium© for remote communications. You can search casually through the Featured, Special, and Bargain sections at USTronics© to find unlocked cell phones that catch your eyes.
Bigtime Wireless©
Bigtime Wireless© (http://www.bigtimewireless.com/) offers more than unlocked cell phones to customers purchasing their products. This retailer of unlocked cell phones provides online assistance Sundays through Thursdays to help customers answer questions about products and accessories. Bigtime Wireless© offers a low price guarantee on all its GSM cell phones to stay competitive with unlocked phone providers around the world. The company provides express shipping at affordable rates so you can activate your unlocked cell phone within days of your order. Each unlocked cell phone purchased from Bigtime Wireless© comes with a free accessory. If you want to find additional accessories for your phone, Bigtime Wireless© carries 4,000 products to add value to your unlocked cell phone. Your old phone or PDA need not spend time in the landfill, thanks to the phone recycling program offered through Bigtime Wireless©.
HiCellular©
HiCellular© (http://www.hicellular.com/) makes it easy to search for unlocked cell phones that meet your personal and business needs. The simple search tool available at the top of the main page allows you to find a specific phone by entering a keyword. Users interested in cutting to the chase head to Check All sections for new, camera, and PDA phones from HiCellular©. If you are looking for unlocked cell phones from brands like Audiovox© and Kyocera©, HiCellular© is a good place to start your search.
SimonCells.com©
SimonCells.com© (http://www.simoncells.com/) connects consumers to unlocked cell phones through its Phone and Accessory Finders. Your search for an unlocked cell phone at SimonCells.com© can also start with the Most Popular, New Releases, and Coming Soon lists. The website features an Overstock Specials section filled with unlocked cell phones and accessories deeply discounted from retail. SimonCells.com© works with affiliates to carry customized phone cases, exchange hosting for business services, and applications needed to complete purchases.
PhoneSale.com™
Your shopping experience at PhoneSale.com™ (http://www.phonesale.com/) starts with simple searches for brands like Apple© and Sony Ericsson©. PhoneSale.com™ lists all these brands in various categories including Top Selling GSM Phones to make your experience easier. After choosing your unlocked cell phone, you can peruse accessories like chargers, batteries, Bluetooth© headsets, and docking stations to complete your purchase. PhoneSale.com™ uses Google Checkout so consumers can use major credit cards and PayPal to acquire unlocked cell phones. Your transaction gets a little bit cheaper when the free overnight shipping credit is applied by PhoneSale.com™.
|
Pros And Cons 
