Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt V
I understand unlocking the codes, but don't you still need a provider like ATT, verizon, etc. to actually use the phone and have a working phone number?
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Yes. Remember that it's the SIM card that stores the account/carrier info, not the phone.
Let's use AT&T as an example. You started with a 2 year contract. Once it's up yo automatically go into a perpetual monthly renewal.
If you want a phone upgrade they will give you one but they want another two year contract.
If you buy an unlocked phone out of pocket you have the flexibility of moving to another carrier at any time without encurring an early termination fee.
I have AT&T, the wife T-mobile. Let's say she drops her phone and breaks it or the battery is dead and needs for some reason to use her T-Mobile account to make a call. We just swap out the cards. If my phone is locked to the AT&T network you can't do that.