It allows you to use a phone on a different carrier.
For example:
Buy a Verizon 9550 (CDMA device with a SIM card to use on GSM networks) > Unlock > Now you can use the 9550 on ATT or T-Mobile using the SIM card.
Now you can use the 9550 on ATT or T-Mobile using the SIM card.
Not completely true. World phones sold in North America will NOT work with North American GSM networks. Only GSM networks elsewhere. This is due to the fact that the phone uses European GSM frequencies (900/1800) and not NA GSM frequencies (850/1900).
Not completely true. World phones sold in North America will NOT work with North American GSM networks. Only GSM networks elsewhere. This is due to the fact that the phone uses European GSM frequencies (900/1800) and not NA GSM frequencies (850/1900).
But the principle stays the same otherwise.
Except that the 9550 is a Quad Band Phone, and supports all frequencies. You can use the Storm2 on ATT/T-Mobile EDGE networks. Just like with the Storm1 Been show in plenty of the videos.
For me the reason to unlock was simple. I'm using the 8830 overseas and the sim card function was locked by my carrier, verizon.
Now that it's unlocked I can use it with a local sim card and get minutes and a price that is greatly reduced compared to what verizon would probably charge me.
It's nice to be able to call the states for a short conversation with my wife and daughter and not have to wait in line for a phone and actually be able to hear them clearly.
I will add I have experienced no problems with the 8830 WE after unlocking.
