Before you purchase your unlocked phone, check out the seven things you should know.
1. You need an active GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from either Cingular or T-Mobile to use an unlocked phone from Amazon.com.
2. International Calling: Unlocked phones are ideal for international travelers. Check out our Going Global with Your Mobile guide to learn more.
3. You need a phone with an 850 MHz band to enjoy roaming in North and South America.
4. You need a phone with at least a 1900 MHz band to get service in North and South America (but it will only work in areas where signal strength is exceptional--i.e., big cities).
5. Unlocked cell phone frequencies decoded:
7. The Best Part: You get the phone you want regardless of carrier and get to keep your existing plan. This is especially nice if you're paying month-to-month on a promotional plan you signed up for three years ago that is no longer being offered by your current carrier.
1. You need an active GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from either Cingular or T-Mobile to use an unlocked phone from Amazon.com.
2. International Calling: Unlocked phones are ideal for international travelers. Check out our Going Global with Your Mobile guide to learn more.
3. You need a phone with an 850 MHz band to enjoy roaming in North and South America.
4. You need a phone with at least a 1900 MHz band to get service in North and South America (but it will only work in areas where signal strength is exceptional--i.e., big cities).
5. Unlocked cell phone frequencies decoded:
- 850/1900 (dual-band): will only work in North and South America.
- 900/1800 (dual-band): will only work in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Brazil.
- 900/1900 (dual-band): will work on at least one network in most countries around the world.
- 850/1800/1900 (Americas tri-band): will work in North and South America and on at least one network in most countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- 900/1800/1900 (European tri-band): provides complete coverage in Europe, Africa, and Asia and will work on at least one network in North and South America (without roaming).
- 850/900/1800/1900 (quad-band): will work anywhere in the world except Japan and South Korea.
7. The Best Part: You get the phone you want regardless of carrier and get to keep your existing plan. This is especially nice if you're paying month-to-month on a promotional plan you signed up for three years ago that is no longer being offered by your current carrier.