What is an ‘Unlocked’ Cell Phone?
An ‘unlocked’ cell phone is one which does not contain proprietary carrier information (often a security code set into the phone memory) therefore does not limit you to using the carrier’s service. Unlocked cell phones can be bought as a new cell or can be “unlocked� by a programmer with knowledge of the workings of the cell. Unlocking codes can sometimes be obtained from the carrier or other businesses touting the service online.
In theory, having an unlocked cell phone offers you flexibility of choice. You can change your cell phone plans or use multiple SIMs (subscriber identification module) on one phone. (The SIM provides the programming which allows your phone to access the carrier’s cell services). For example, this could mean you can use two carriers’ services – one on prepaid plan and one on a contract plan. You may do this to take advantage of the contract plan during certain times and using the prepaid plan at others.
Why Lock a Phone?
Before we highlight the potential dangers in unlocking a phone, let’s discuss the reasons for locking it. The more cynical consumers will claim that locking a cell phone is designed to keep the consumer using the carrier’s service – a barrier to exit in essence.
The cell phone carrier companies claim that locking a phone is ‘necessary to subsidize the cost of the phones.’ The rationale is that if a new cell phone (sold as a package with a phone plan) is not locked, the consumer can readily change plans before the contract finishes, hence the carrier company does not recoup the cost of the actual cell phone (which they need to pay upfront for). Carriers claim that without ‘locking’ – they will have to charge upfront for the cost of the phone when a customer signs up for a carrier service plan, making it more expensive for consumer in the near term.
1Wise Geek, “What are unlocked cell phones?�, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-unlocked-cell-phones.htm
Dangers of Unlocking a Cell
The four potential dangers of unlocking a cell phone are:
- 1. Damage to phone functions
Unlocking cell phone has been known to interfere with phone hardware as security settings disable cell phone functionality.
- 2. Damage to software
With phone features getting more and more complicated, the software required to use the features are becoming more specialized. Common generic software used to unlock cell phones can damage exiting software and even the operating system. Sophisticated phones with proprietary – like the Apple iPhone can be particularly susceptible. Apple in 2007 released a warning of the dangers:
“unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone's software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed.�
- 3. Voids warranties
Unlocking cell phone can violate carrier service plan agreements and void any manufacturers’ warranties available for phone damage. Some insurance companies may also avoid claim payment if an unlocked phone is lost or damaged.
- 4. Security
An unlocked cell phone may be used by anyone. Without the security option of a ‘lock’ as a deterrent, phone theft could be more prevalent as they are easier to sell to others.
With regards to the dangers of unlocking cell phones – here’s a tip. If you are in the middle of contract with a carrier and you are paying good money for a great phone, don’t risk the dangers of unlocking. You have more to lose.
If you would like the flexibility of an unlocked phone, go out and buy a new cell phone which comes unlocked and unencumbered to any carrier. Don’t risk good money on a used unlocked phone.
2Fulton, S.M. III., “Apple Warns of Dangers of iPhone Unlocking� 25th Sep 2007, Beta News http://www.betanews.com/article/Apple-Warns-of-Dangers-of-iPhone-Unlocking/1190724469
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