Unlocking Cell Phones Can Equal Better Rates

News 3 reports some interesting news for mobile phone users, via the Saving You Money Team.  Cell phone contracts force consumers into a commitment they may not appreciate.  A lot of cell phone companies usually “lock” the cell phones they offer, meaning that those cell phones will only work with that company’s carrier.  That forces people to give up their cell phones if they decide to switch to a different company – usually.

The Saving You Money Team hipped readers to some tips and tricks about cell phone locks – namely about picking them.  Citing the iPhone, meant to be used specifically through AT&T in order for users to access iTunes, Saving You Money interviewee James Granger revealed just how easy it is to break through the locks many carriers place on cell phones. 

Thanks to the United States Copyright Office and a ruling they made involving cell phones, it is completely legal for any mobile user to unlock his or her phone in order to use it with a different service.  This can save money in several ways.  Not only can consumers sign up with a carrier service that offers better rates, but by unlocking a cell phone they already have, they do not have to spend money on a new phone.

Granger assured News 3 that unlocking phones does in fact work, consumers who do it will not get caught and will not face penalization if they are caught, and that it is indeed possible to save money.

Naturally, service carriers such as Apple warn their users against unlocking their iPhones, although the only trouble they cite is that doing so will negate their warranty. 

(May 21, 2008)