This really is becoming a trend in our world today but what exactly is phone/iPhone unlocking? Unlocking phones/IPhones is a term simply meaning that the consumer can keep the IPhone/phone they have even if they want to switch to a different provider by inserting a different SIM card. Honestly, this saves the consumer a lot money by not having to purchase a whole new phone just the SIM card which typically will cost $0.99 plus shipping and handling.
There are plenty of apps that make it easier to unlock iPhone by yourself – or you can pay someone to unlock your iPhone 7. Most people unlock their phones because there is a better deal at a different phone company but their phone is not offered at the company they want to switch too, either way it saves money and a trip to the store to purchase a whole new phone/IPhone at the store.
Now that you know what IPhone unlocking is, is it legal?
A few years ago it was deemed illegal by Congress due to copyright issues of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Back in 2014 all that changed because of an act that President Obama signed. This act is called Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act which permits any cellphone/IPhone holder to unlock their phone and move it to another cell service given that they did not break their contract with their current company for at least two years.
So this settles it… unlocking your IPhone/cellphone is legal in the United States. Jailbreaking, on the other hand, is still legal.
Jalibreaking, in short, removes all restrictions made by the IPhones manufacturer.
To be aware though, there are a few cell providers that allow you to bring your own phone. One that I know of is Straight Talk which is funded by Walmart and Tracfone. Most providers that use this bring your own phone program will accept an unlocked phone but you must know the previous network. There are two different types of networks that cell phone services use: CDMA and GSM.
It is easy to determine which network is your phone based on the network it came from. For example, AT&T uses a GSM network as well as T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint work off of CDMA networks. Most prepaid cell companies will give you a choice between CDMA and GSM networks. A few of the earlier IPhones are compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks, though.
If you are thinking of buying an unlocking IPhone or unlocking it yourself, take note of the current network your cell company uses because you will have to decide which SIM card suits your phone. You can also look it network by the model number on the phone. Just be sure to get the right SIM card or your unlocked phone will not work!! Do research on the unlocked phone or IPhone you are purchasing and its’ network.
Just a note: IPhones and regular cellphones unlock the same way. This article applies to all phones/IPhones in general!
Welcome to the generation of IPhone unlocking! Bypass the system save money, be happy, and do it legally.
