There seems to be a fair amount of confusion and misinformation around the subject of unlocking mobile devices.  Many people are under the impression that unlocking their mobile phone is an illegal act, and one likely to create problems with the functioning of their phone.

In fact, unlocking is perfectly legal, easy to do and can greatly enhance the functionality of your phone.

If you own a GSM mobile phone, and it is currently locked into service with a specific network service provider, you are well within your rights to unlock your phone and choose a provider that offers you better roaming rates and service.

There is only one situation in which it is illegal to unlock your mobile phone, and that is when you have signed a contract specifying that your phone will remain the property of the mobile network provider.  This is sometimes the case when a mobile network provider makes a mobile phone available to you for free in exchange for a specific, longer-term usage contract.  In some rare cases, unlocking your phone may void your phone’s warranty with a particular network carrier.  If you are unsure whether the terms of your service contract give you ownership of your mobile phone, call your provider and ask.  In most cases, the mobile phone will be your property.

Here’s a quick test to determine whether your phone is currently unlocked or locked: borrow a SIM card from a friend who has an account with a different network service provider than you.  Replace your phone’s SIM card with your friend’s and see whether you can place calls on the new SIM.  If you can, your phone is already unlocked.  If your phone displays an error message, then it is locked.

If your phone is currently locked into service with a specific provider, you can ask them for the codes required to unlock it.  Some network service providers have a policy of not releasing these codes, in which case you will need to do a little research on the Internet to find an online service or piece of software to help you unlock your phone.