Help needed--unlocked phones

[eagle628]

If I were to buy an unlocked phone, what exactly would I get? A phone, clearly, but would it work out of the box, or would I have to add a SIM card (or whatever they're called) to make phone calls? And even though a contract isn't involved, would I still get bills from the network? If so, what's the advantage over buying an on-contract phone?

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum--it's not a WP question specifically, but it's general, so I don't know where it should go...

Thanks in advance.

 

[freestaterocker]

If I were to buy an unlocked phone, what exactly would I get? A phone, clearly, but would it work out of the box, or would I have to add a SIM card (or whatever they're called) to make phone calls? And even though a contract isn't involved, would I still get bills from the network? If so, what's the advantage over buying an on-contract phone?

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum--it's not a WP question specifically, but it's general, so I don't know where it should go...

Thanks in advance.

You would need a SIM card from your service provider and as you'd be using their network you would have to pay a monthly bill for the services you use. (calling minutes, text messages, data, etc.)

 

[eagle628]

You would need a SIM card from your service provider and as you'd be using their network you would have to pay a monthly bill for the services you use. (calling minutes, text messages, data, etc.)

So what's the point of buying an unlocked phone?

 

[Sir_Josh]

So what's the point of buying an unlocked phone?

Mostly to avoiding signing a new contract, use it on a different provider's network, or buy it outright so you can use it for prepaid.

I personally use a Radar 4G, so say instead of getting it for free with a 2 Year contract of at least $60 a month, I could buy the phone outright and use T-Mobile's Monthly 4G plans for farrrrr less around $30 a month.

Different people have different reasons though.

Sent from my Radar 4G using Board Express

 

[speedtouch]

It's most likely a whole lot cheaper to buy a locked phone, then get an unlock code off eBay.

 

[selfcreation]

liek other say , it cost 20$ to unlock a phone from a random guy , but people sale the phone 200$ MORE cause its unlock, thats a 180$ RIP OFF.

contracts: these are for 2 things.
1: to get the phone at a discount,
2. if your a long time member fo the carrier they make you take contracts for special promos ( free stuff)

so you got your unlock phone you take it out of the box:

1. you can use WIFI.. thats it. if you want to make calls , go online , send txt ect.. you NEED a SIM from the carrier of your choice.

2. you walk into a carrier store: get a plan that fits your $$ needs, make sure you DO NOT GET a contract! ( cause you dont need it )

3: you will need to go to the carrier WEBSITE to get the * APN* settings for your phone
Settings-> Cellular -> APN ( you can find the settings on carrier site ) this will make sure your SMS/DATA all work with no problems.

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

For me, I use 1 month rolling contracts (because I hate being tied in too long), and as such I have to buy my phones outright. This is why I buy unlocked. The carriers screws you over? You can take your money elsewhere.