Are unlocked Cell phones illegal?

Before coming to the point of whether it is legal or not, it is important for one to know that what an unlocked phone means. An unlocked cell phone is nothing but a cell phone that is not configured to any specific cellular service provider and multiple networks can be accessed through the phone by just changing the SIM cards. When a customer buys a cell phone from a specific service provider which is more popularly known as CDMA phones the phones are always configured to that specific network provider. It only respond to the SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module card of that particular service provider and does not work with SIM cards of other service providers because they are locked to that particular service network provider. On the other hand, in an unlocked cell phone multiple networks can be accessed whenever desired just by changing the SIM cards. It is not programmed or configured to any specific service provider.

There are certain advantage and disadvantages as well of these unlocked GSM cell phones. The most advantageous feature of the unlocked GSM cell phones is that one can easily switch between multiple service providers without buying another phone. It gives the customer the choice of using the network that seems to be most advantageous to him at that particular time or place. However there are certain disadvantages also associated also with the unlocked GSM phones. It does not allow you to access certain network specific soft ware’s or services. Sometimes locked phone provides with services or facilities that can only be accessed through that network. In that case an unlocked GSM phone will be unable to avail such facilities. Also unlocked GSM phones are generally more costly than the locked ones. The locked phones are always available at a reduced price since the company will always want you to use the services and hence will always offer certain discounts on the phones which is not applicable in case of the unlocked phones.

Sometimes locked phones are unlocked by the service provider itself after completing the service term. But that depends upon the conditions and offers applied during the time of purchase. Sometimes it is also possible to unlock existing locked phones unofficially by technicians.

Using unlocked cell phones is not a crime and is not illegal. However, unlocking a locked phone before the end of service term is considered illegal as it breaches the contract between the customer and the service provider. In some countries unlocking a locked phone is always considered illegal and is never allowed. However, using an unlocked phone is not at all considered illegal and you can always use it with any service provider of your choice.