Many novice cellular users who have attempted to change service providers have found themselves frustrated when trying to change service providers. The majority of cell phones are locked by the company who issues the phones by using a special Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card to encode their proprietary access code.

A locked cell phone has a code embedded into the SIM card that locks it to a specific provider. The owner of the cell phone does not have access to modify this software setting on the SIM card, thus the subscriber becomes tied to the phone service carrier. Many people find it incredibly difficult to change their locking feature. The biggest advantage of an unlocked cell phone is that it allows you to switch providers on the fly by simply inserting a new SIM card.

Some people have the ability to unlock their current cell phone and generally all that’s needed is a computer, their phone handy, and internet access. You can unlock them if it has that ability by contacting your service provider and for a small fee they will give you the access code. There are also software programs that will unlock your phone for you. You can find many online by doing a search.

These cellular phones can be used with various GSM-compatible carriers worldwide. The majority of cell phones can be used within the US with carriers such as T-Mobile, Cingular/AT&T, and other providers and many other GSM service providers around the world. GSM which leads the world as the fastest growing advanced digital technology available today. Utilizing the cutting edge technology of GSM, they provide integrated voice mail, high-speed data, fax paging, and short message services capabilities. Users can call home, across town, across the continent, or around the world provided there is cellular coverage available. Many of the popular manufacturers are Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, and Alcatel.

There are many different types of unlocked cell phones that can fit any individual user’s need. Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson have some of the most popular diverse unlocked cell phones. Nokia which is one of the leading manufacturers in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, and business mobility through cellular devices releases new models nearly every quarter.

The Nokia N95 8GB cellular phone which starts at the price of $689.99 from most retailers is a wonderful phone from the Nokia line. If you love to play games and music on your cell phone than you should consider a Nokia N81 8GB cell phone. Nokia E65 Quadband GSM cell phone is the perfect for cellular users in need of mobile business capabilities. It features an array of radiant colors for someone wanting a colorful phone. The Nokia E61i GSM Smartphone has incredible email features that any user addicted to their email must have. Nokia 7390 L’Amour cell phone is designed to fit the more classic cellular user with an elegant fold design incorporated. Wireless communications pioneer Motorola’s top phones are designed to fit any individual needs, for example the Motorola W375 Triband GSM model, or the Motorola V31 RaZR GSM. The Motorola A1200 Quadband Smartphone and the Motorola KRZR K1 Quad band cell phone which all retails between $130 and $328. Sony Ericsson who are known for their excellence in imaging and design created the Sony Ericsson z-558i Triband with touch screen hand writing recognition features. The Sony Ericsson z-710i Quadband is an amazing value with 3-click music download features, and Bluetooth all in the $200-$350 price range at retailers.