Wednesday, February 20, 2008

What SIM Card Does Your Cell Phone Have?

Many mobile phone models such as T-Mobile and Verizon Cell Phone utilize a Subscriber Identification Module Card or more popularly known as SIM card. A cell phone issues such card in order to provide service to any mobile phone on which it is inserted and activated.

When it comes to recognition of SIM cards, there are two types of cell phones: the locked and unlocked cell phone.

Locked mobile phones can recognize the SIM card only on one cell phone service provider. For example, if you have a Verizon cell phone and it is locked, you can only use a SIM card from Verizon.

Unlocked cell phone on the other hand can accommodate SIM cards from any provider such as AT&T cell phone or Verizon.

Why are there locked cell phones being sold by providers? The sole reason is because the major providers give away discounted or even free cell phones. However, these can be availed of with the condition that it is a locked mobile phone, which means it will be used only with the carrier’s SIM card.

Of course, there are many providers which will otherwise offer customers with an unlocked cell phone. However, the price of a unit will have a dramatic jack up – from being a free cell phone to almost its full regular price. At least, you may use your unit with a SIM card of your choice.

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