wahts so good about unlocking your fone?

1. You can use it with other provider's sim cards (networks)
1a. You can use local sims when you travel internationally
2. A little easier to sell on eBay

If none of the above is important to you, then unlocking will provide no benefit whatsoever.

So anyone know of a way to unlock a phone?

I read some threads about doing it through gsmphonesource.com, but I was wondering what the process involves? and if there's a do-it-yourself (or free ) way to unlock my Pearl

I wouldn't care otherwise, but I have been out if the country the past 10 days and my Pearl is useless since TMO isn't out here.
If my Pearl was unlocked, I could truly use it as a global phone.

If you've been with T-mobile for more than 90 days, they should be able to give you an unlock code with no problem. If not......you'll have to go through the unlocker guys.

You didn't say where you are that your Tmo phone didn't work - maybe you're not in a gsm area? Also, I believe Tmo needs to turn on international roaming. You should be able to call their international support number (I don't have it, I'm with Cingular).

Good luck and safe travels

I use my TMo phone all over the world and it works flawlessly. It works better in Europe than it does here! As the previous poster stated you need to call Tmobile and have them enable what they call "World Class Service." It's free to enable and gives you world wide roaming (not free).

With an unlocked phone you can put in a local sim and use it to make calls with another local provider, thus no roaming charges.

I've been with TMo since Nov, so I guess I can wait till Feb for a free unlock code.

I have been in India for 9 days, and they don't have TMo here; so I was looking to put a local prepaid SIM. I'm leaving for home today so it doesn't matter now.

What are the international roaming charges in Europe like? I have to go in March.

thx

I believe the TMo site lists most of the countries and their costs. The last time I checked most of Europe was around $.99 per minute plus LD and data. Corporate pays our bills so I don't ever see it but check with the TMo site or give them a call and ask about the counries you are traveling to.