It seems that the companies manufacturing these phones want to keep the exclusive control over their product, despite the many 4G handsets enter the market every day. Why do they do this? It is because they do not want other companies using their technology to make an improved version of their previous or current products. The issue of locking digital devices is actually not new to the world of business.
Advantages Of Having Unlocked Phones
Most of the companies in the mobile industry already knows the advantages of having unlocked phones. But the big companies seem to be stuck in a very tight market. They do not have the option of producing cheap imitations of their previous or existing products. With their existing models, they would lose a lot of their market share. Hence, the idea of unlocking their digital devices seems to be very attractive to them.
It is true that unlocking your phone will allow you to use any other network that is not provided by your service provider. However, this is not entirely true. Just like any other digital device, unlocking it can allow you to use other applications and brands apart from your carrier. But you would still have to stay with your original network. Some people might find this a benefit since they will have access to more services and programs.
Downsides Of Having Unlocked Phones
But there are downsides too. As mentioned earlier, unlocking your phone will let other companies have access to your phone’s features and settings. This means that your device will become useless should you decide to switch companies. Your previous network will most probably replace your company if you sell your device to them. There are reports that many consumers have bought phones from retailers only to find out that they are incompatible with their new carriers. The manufacturer might have unlocked their devices and distributed them to retailers, but this is not entirely fair to the customers.
Most unlocked 4G phones come with locked-in SIM cards. Most digital devices such as digital cameras and mp3 players have been manufactured to work only with specific SIM cards. The SIM card usually belongs to the manufacturer of the device. Once the user decides to change his SIM card, he will have problems accessing his stored information or features. This is what marketers call “unlocking” the device – allowing other companies to make use of the unlocked digital standard.
The disadvantages of unlocked phones are pretty much the same with those of non unlocked phones. The performance of the device will be reduced compared to a device that is not yet unlocked. It cannot accept international SIM cards and at the same time, it cannot be used on any other network. It can even be damaged somewhat during the first few weeks of usage, if it comes into contact with water or other harsh chemicals.
Final Word
There are many unlocked cell phones available online at varying prices. Before deciding on a specific phone, check on the online shops and compare their prices. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry because there are unlocked phones that are very cheap. All you need to do is look for them!
