what is the deal with unlocking phones?is it just to be able to switch carriers? from what i read verizon network phones can't be unlocked? kurt
First. No such thing as a "Dumb" question. Cell phones Basicly work off of two networks. 1: GSM, such as T-mobile, Cingular. Those, for example working under the "GSM" network uses Sims cards, which are small cards that you place under the battery of your phone. They store all your Contacts, account info., Stuff like that, which inabels you to travel to another Country who does'nt have your Provider there for service, So you simply buy a Compatible phone for that Country / Region, put your existing Sims card in it and your back in service. Just with a different Provider for the time you spend there. Once you return, put your Sims card back into your original phone and, once again, back in service. Providers such as Verizon, Sprint / Nextel, AT&T and Altell work under a Network known as CDMA, which does not use Sims cards, however most of them sell What's called Smart or World phones that have the Microsoft software in them as their Browsing software compared to most phones that use the current 2.0 WAP ( Wireless Application Podical ) Browsing Software. Then the World phones uses both GSM and CDMA networks that allow them to use the phones most any were. Hope that helped !