How to Flash a cell phone

Are you tired of your current cell phone carrier? Would you like to switch but don't want to get into another contract or buy another phone? No problem. Just move or Flash your cell phone to a new carrier.
What exactly is cell phone flashing? It is changing the firmware in you phone by means of a specific software program designed for your phone's make and model in order to connect to another network other than the one you are on.
Here's how you do it. First you must unlock your cell phone so that you may change the firmware. You do this again by a specific software program designed to get you the unlock code for your exact model of phone. This program is not the same as the flashing program. Once unlocked the cell phone can be flashed to the new carrier, but be careful as there are different types of cell phone flashing. There is flashing and full flashing. Just flashing you cellular will only get you on the new network where as full flashing will get you on the new network along with texting ,email video etc..
What do I Need to Flash My Phone?

1.) Flashing software ( which you can download )
2.) A USB cable for the phone you're flashing
3.) A computer with Windows 2000 or Newer, a USB Port, 800Mhz+, 256MB RAM
4.) A CDMA cell phone ( see below)

There are several reliable sources of flashing and unlocking software out there but one I have used in the past is located at: www.yourcellular.net/need_help.html:

The Networks

In addition to the list above you will need an account with the CDMA carrier you are flashing to. There are two major networks for cell phone carriers. They are GSM or Global System for Mobile Communications. Examples are AT&T, T-Mobile The second CDMA or Code Division Multiple Access.Examples are Qwest, Metro, Sprint, cricket and Verizon. These are technologies which essentially allow a mobile device to communicate with a mobile communications network.
Keep in mind that a GSM phone can not be flashed so we are talking about any CDMA phone here.
How Good Is The Carrier I am Flashing To?

As with most great deals you probable heard about a better carrier through a friend or co-worker. But before you change carriers you should make sure the coverage you are going to is at least as good as your current provider. One way of doing that is compare your current coverage with your new carrier at www.cellreception.com. Here you can enter in your zip code and get ratings for all carriers in your area along with comments from others using the different cellular services.
If you can follow instructions and are a little computer literate you too can flash you phone to another carrier.