Tell me about: unlocking cell phones

[scue]

What's the deal with this? Why is it not allowed? What does it enable? How do you get the code? etc.

thanks

[Bitchin]

there's a store[can't remember the name] in metro town, in the rogers store that will do it all for ya.

they unlocked my phone.

[rustybob]

You are allowed to unlock a cell phone, but the reason they do it is to try keep you with that one provider. Since they are subsidizing the phone, they lock it so that the phone will only work on their network.

Sometimes (especially in the case of Telus phones) features also get locked out. So, even though it's the exact same phone you'd see from an American provider, some features get disabled for no apparent reason. These can also get unlocked.

Depending on the phone, you might be able to find unlock codes online, or you'll have to take it to a store to get it done.

[scue]

Okay, right on. I was wondering if it involved the features that telus locks out too.

I found out how to enter the code but that's it. I guess I'll have to take it to a store.

(samsung a645)

thanks

[.LxT]

Unlocked phones might, in some cases, make it impossible for you to access the internet on the provider's network. It's not always the case but it happens more often than not.