If your like alot of people and don't know exactly sure what cell phone unlocking is then read on. When you signup for new cellular service and get that "brand new" phone for free more than likely the company has "locked" it to work on only their network. They do this so you believe if you decided to leave their service your phone would be useless, but most of the time this isn't true.

Most phones especially GSM (the one's w/simcards in the back) are able to work on more than one network of the same type for example GSM Providers like Tmobile, Cingular, Att&T(GSM), Orange, and more can ALL use the same unlocked phones.

Why unlock you phone you might ask. Unlocking your phone allows you to use your phone on different providers. Useful when switching cellphone companies and you don't want to give up your old phone. You can also use different providers when traveling to save on long distance. Just use the local providers pre-paid simcard and instantly save money.

You might ask "Why haven't I heard of this before?" The answer is simple, Because THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO! By tricking you into thinking the only way you can keep the phone that you love, the one that you would hate to give up if you switched services. The cellular companies lose money when subscribers leave so of course their not going to tell you that you have a choice.

Is it legal? Unlocking your cellphone is perfectly legal, your not hacking, or breaking into anything. Your just restoring the phone to the original factory settings.

Unlocking is a pretty simple process. It usually includes a cable to connect your phone to your computer, their fairly cheap on http://www.ebay.com (under $7) and unlocking software ($10, http://www.tigerunlocking.com). Follow the instructions that came with the cable, connect the phone, and run the software.