Many carriers lock their cell phones that they only can operate in their network. This is common practice all around the world. In the USA, for example, cell phones are often locked to a carrier so only specific carriers' SIM cards will work in that phone. Similar situations happen in the UK where most of the phones with subsidies are locked.

In countries where competition is strong carriers offer phones discounted or even for free. In these areas phones are typically locked so that they work only with specific carriers. People can't do anything about it while carriers are saying that this is necessary to lower the cost of the phones.

Cells phones are locked on a SIM card basis. A locked phone will recognize SIM cards only from a particular carrier. This lock is actually a setting in a phone's software, so can also be unlocked by special software.

If the phones are locked by software settings, they can be unlocked too. But here comes a risk. There are many evidences that unlocked cell phones (that were previously locked) don't always function correctly with other carriers. So unlock your phone only if you are ready to take a risk that your phone will be broken.

The best way to get an unlocked cell phone is to buy a new one. Some customers may find it tough to cash for a phone that they can get almost for free with a plan. On the other hand the real advantage is that unlocked cell phones work perfectly with any mobile carrier. And this is a huge benefit, since a customer is not locked to a specific carrier.

Unlocked cell phones are in a big demand nowadays. And even better news is that anyone can buy a fashionable unlocked cell phone with touch screen, dual SIM card slot, FM radio, MP3 and WiFi in the webstores.

Jon Eden is an electronics expert experienced in the cell phones arena. He founded http://www.myunlockedcellphones.com with a great desire to bring unlocked cell phones to everyone.