Unlocked GSM Cell Phones.

[sly_wolf 199]

Does anyone know if there are any disadvantages of buying/owning an unlocked cell phone?

Also, any recommendations on the best place to buy an unlocked phone?

Sly

[Minya's wife 25]

I just bought two unlocked phones, one for my husband and one for myself, though Ebay. One is great and just what I was looking for, but the second one's internet browser does not work. (And its not an issue w/ my account, because I have a pay/use internet option on it.) So in principle I would say they're just fine, and I would recommend Ebay as a good place to purchase said items....I think I just got unlucky w/ my second phone purchase. I'm waiting to hear from the seller, to see what is to be done w/ this partially defective phone I got.

[pedroh 21]

unlocked gsm phones might not work with the internet or multimedia message features... it just happens w some phones

also check the frequency they work at.. even though it's pretty standard, t-mobile or at&t might work in a different band for certain states.. to avoid that it'd try to get a quad band phone..

[sara..... 371]

Does anyone know if there are any disadvantages of buying/owning an unlocked cell phone?

Also, any recommendations on the best place to buy an unlocked phone?

Sly

we purchased our phones at t mobile then got the code to unlock them so that we could use our own phone over seas with the sims card from that country not all phones from what we have been told can be unlocked but since we paid the full fee for our phones and didnt let them ride out the contract at the cheaper rate they were very willing to do that for us also if ur over seas u can pay someone a small amount to unlock the phone........

[sly_wolf 199]

unlocked gsm phones might not work with the internet or multimedia message features... it just happens w some phones

also check the frequency they work at.. even though it's pretty standard, t-mobile or at&t might work in a different band for certain states.. to avoid that it'd try to get a quad band phone..

Are there any potential issues with text messaging?

Sly

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Other than my iPhone all my phones have been unlocked. Buy a quad band and use it pretty much anywhere in the world.

[Heracles 417]

Does anyone know if there are any disadvantages of buying/owning an unlocked cell phone?

Also, any recommendations on the best place to buy an unlocked phone?

Sly

No disadvantages. The phone just has to be compatible with the US networks.

The only advantage of an unlocked phone is that you can use it on any other GSM network here. Basically either Tmobile or AT&T. If the phone companies do not sell the phone they usually do not support it. So if you experience any problems with the handset you will be on your own.

US carriers are not exactly friendly with no-contract services, something that is the norm overseas.

Edited November 19, 2008 by Aficionado