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The Freedom of an Unlocked Blackberry

mulberry by mulberry
Last updated: 12/29/2011

How to Get the Blackberry and the Service You Want

A Blackberry is one hard working, multi-talented smartphone. Like any PDA or cell phone though, if you have an unlocked Blackberry you have more options open to you as far as the service you use. If this freedom is something you want, you have two choices in today's market:

  • you can get your hands on a Blackberry and then unlock it yourself or through a paid service or

  • you can shop for an unlocked Blackberry through a retailer or third party vendor.

    Learn more about these options on this page.

    • Why Would You Want an Unlocked Blackberry?

    Purchasing an unlocked Blackberry offers some advantages, as well as some disadvantages.

  • Freedom.

    Most cell phones in the US are purchased along with a contract from a particular cellular provider. The cost of that phone is subsidized and therefore, the cellular company ties you to a two year contract, and a locked cell phone, to assure they make a profit despite any cost they "eat" by discounting the phone they sell, or give to you. Unfortunately, due to software settings on the phone you receive, the phone will recognize SIM cards from only that carrier. Thus, you must use their service. An unlocked phone will not come with such software settings and they allow you to use any cellular provider on a GSM network here or abroad.This gives you more freedom as to which service you use.

    Drawback: Still can't use non-GSM networks.

  • Less Risk.

    It's possible to unlock a Blackberry after purchase or to pay for software (or another service) to do it for you. However, sometimes even when a phone is unlocked, it won't operate properly. Games, GPS services, and similar services are particularly vulnerable when you choose to unlock a phone. Purchasing a phone that has never had the locking proprietary software installed is a safer bet to assure the phone will function properly.

  • Cost.

    Buying an unlocked Blackberry can potentially save you some money if you identify a carrier with a lower cost plan that suits your needs. In addition, it can save costs associated with software or services to assist you in unlocking your phone after purchase.

    Drawback: The initial cost of your Blackberry will be at market cost. There will be no discount which is typical with phones that you get when signing up with a new contract.

    • How to Unlock a Blackberry

    Unlocking your Blackberry is a possibility if you aren't looking to purchase a new unlocked version. If you're unlocking a phone you own and have for personal use it's legal to do this, at least for the near future. See this article for more information.

    The provider can supply the needed code to unlock, or it can often be located under the battery if the cellular carrier won't provide the needed information. For specific instructions on how to accomplish this you can visit BlackberryFAQ. In addition, there are of course, paid services that can assist in unlocking any Blackberry or cell phone if you perform a search online for such entities.

    Users should understand that unlocking their phone may void the warranty however and some functionality may be lost.

    Buying an Unlocked Blackberry

    When you're shopping for an unlocked Blackberry there are a few things to know:

  • Check to see that it comes with a manufacturer (or seller) warranty. It's unlikely a cellular carrier will assist with a broken phone since they aren't the ones providing it to you.

  • Check to be sure the phone is a version that you can use. Generally speaking, this means you want a phone that operates on the 850 and 1900 bands if you live in the US (So don't mistakenly purchase a version that operates only on the European frequencies.) The 1900 band is critical if you want 3G services in the US. You'll need a quad band version (850, 900, 1800, 1900) to use it internationally.

  • After purchasing your Blackberry, you'll need a SIM card from the carrier that you'll be using.

    • Unlocked Blackberry Bold

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    Unlocked Blackberry Curve

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    Unlocked Blackberry Pearl

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    Unlocked Blackberry Storm

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    Other Unlocked Blackberry Models

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    Photo Credits
    Introduction: Dushaun. (no derivative work allowed)
    Why Would You Want an Unlocked Blackberry: Editor B.
    How to Unlock a Blackberry: Dewitt.
    Buying an Unlocked Blackberry: bgautrea.

    This HOT APPS page written by

    mulberry

    Love your Blackberry but don't want stuck with the carrier? There is an answer. An unlocked Blackberry will give you the freedom you crave. Learn all... more »

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