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Ask the Editors: Using an unlocked phone
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Are unlocked phones illegal?
October 25, 2005
Q
Are unlocked cell phones, such as the Sony Ericsson J300a, illegal?
Submitted by:
Mark,
via email
Kent German
Kent German
Senior associate
editor
Absolutely not. Carriers may not particularly love them, but it's perfectly legal for you to buy, use, and sell an unlocked GSM phone. Remember that they come with a few distinct advantages. You can use an unlocked mobile on any GSM carrier simply by switching out the SIM card. You may have to ask your carrier for the correct settings to use your data services, but you won't be risking jail time in any way. It's also not illegal for you to unlock a phone, so if you can find a way to use your favorite Cingular handset on T-Mobile, feel free to go right ahead and do so.

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Kent German covers the latest trends and devices in cell phones, smart phones, and accessories. He's been covering technology for four years and loves to talk on the phone.


 
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