Just what are the benefits of getting a unlocked smartphone?

Besides enabling the owner the ability to consider numerous network carriersas opposed to just their current one, there's a couple of other good reasons why you might want to network unlock your smartphone even before your contract ends. In the event you're going abroad for example, you may want to make use of a domestic sim-card while you're there to stay away from steep roaming prices. Or possibly you've decided to sell your mobile then you'll probably get extra cash and much more interest in a mobile phone that's free to make use of with just about any network carrier.

Are you allowed to carrier unlock a smart phone?

Nothing at all is illegal about unlocking your cell phone. It is yours and you're within your rights to use it on any network you want. Still, there is a chance that permanently unlocking your smartphone might void your warranty, so it may perhaps be best to hold off until you've reached the end of your contract before you make your mind up to abandon your current carrier.

What alternatives are available if my service provider won't unlock my cell phone?

You will need to make sure your phone actually needs carrier unlocking by placing a simcard from another provider in your smartphone. If it is locked, a message will show on your home screenadvising you of this. The simplest way to IMEI unlock your smartphone is to call your provider and obtain a Network Unlock Code (NUC). Nearly all will supply you with one and some may even do it free once your contract is up. Once you're given this code you should be capable of input it into your mobile phone to remove the lock. This is the most straightforward and most reliable method of unlocking.

How much should it cost to unlock a mobile phone?

A number of networks will likely not charge for unlocking assistance while others may charge about $80. It is also worth bearing in mind that each networks has numerous policies pertaining to how long you might have had your monthly or sim only contract for and how to get your code. Virtually all providers have on-line forms to submit a factory unlocking request, but some will need you to call up their helplines. The amount of time it will take to unlock your cell phone again can vary widely between each network. In the UK, EE for example, will unlock an iPhone in a week, while Virgin Mobile state it might take up to 15 calendar days to unlock network locked devices.

Who is the best and cheapest 3rd-party unlocking service provider on the Internet?

If you are uncertain who to use, I highly recommend Unlock.Zone. They provide unlocks for all major makes and carriers, give a guaranteed price match promise, plus most significantly, have a 100% refund policy in the unlikely event they can't unlock your cellphone. I've used them myself and was really happy with the service I received and ultimately that they successfully unlocked my smartphone.

You can visit them here: CellPhone IMEI Unlocking