[Ragz]

What are the reasons I would unlock my phone?
Is there an advantage other than the ability to switch carriers?

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by Ragz

What are the reasons I would unlock my phone?

Use of SIM card from another carrier.
Possibly increase resale value of device.

Originally Posted by Ragz

Is there an advantage other than the ability to switch carriers?

Possibly increase resale value of device.

[WWD]

Going overseas and having the ability to use the phone.

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by WWD

Going overseas and having the ability to use the phone.

You don't need to unlock a device for that.

[snowskier79]

Wirelessly posted (8700c: BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Both of these posts are true. If you switch carriers or want to sell your device it is very beneficial. Also should you sell your device it increases the value.

Outside of that, no other value to you. Cheers!

[WWD]

Originally Posted by penguin3107

You don't need to unlock a device for that.

Um, Sure, if you like to pay $2.99 per minute in voice charges.

I prefer buying a local SIM.

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by WWD

I prefer buying a local SIM.

Good for you. However, if you're going to state something as fact, then it should be a fact.
You made it sound like you needed to unlock a phone in order to use it overseas, which is not true. This could cause confusion for someone who doesn't know any better.

[Ragz]

I am going overseas, but ATT says that I can use it with the local carriers in Europe. So the only real benefit to unlocking is for resale?

[WWD]

Originally Posted by penguin3107

Good for you. However, if you're going to state something as fact, then it should be a fact.
You made it sound like you needed to unlock a phone in order to use it overseas, which is not true. This could cause confusion for someone who doesn't know any better.

Dude, this is INTERNET. You want facts, get an encyclopedia.

Having an unlocked phone overseas is a big advantage.


You want me to add idiot-prof small print to that?

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by WWD

Dude, this is INTERNET. You want facts, get an encyclopedia.

Having an unlocked phone overseas is a big advantage.


You want me to add idiot-prof small print to that?

Don't be an ass.
You're on a tech support forum, answering questions for people.
You do a disservice to everyone when you don't provide correct or complete responses.
I corrected you, and you got all bent out of shape.

I agree, having an unlocked phone is a big advantage when travelling, but it's not necessary. You could have indicated that, but you didn't.

[WWD]

And what if you go to a country that has no roaming agreement with your home carrier?
SOL.

[penguin3107]

Can you name a country that doesn't haven't a roaming agreement with Cingular/AT&T. (which is what the OP uses)
If so, would you want to travel there?

[WWD]

Originally Posted by penguin3107

Can you name a country that doesn't haven't a roaming agreement with Cingular/AT&T. (which is what the OP uses)
If so, would you want to travel there?

Cuba / Cause I can?

[LunkHead]

No need to be rude....

[GaryF]

Back on topic - if your gsm phone is unlocked you can by a prepaid local sim and in some countries use it for a fraction of the cost of using your cingular service overseas. Although you would still pay a high cost to phone home, all of your local use including incoming calls are MUCH cheaper. I was in Europe this winter and did not find local sims easily available (Germany, Austria, Italy) but it depends where you are going. The last time I was in England they sold sim card at the airport, and in Hong Kong you can buy them at 7-11.