Unlocked Phones-FAQ

Cingular, T-Mobile and other GSM providers:

These networks can support "Unlocked GSM phones" There are four GSM bands: 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. Different geographical regions use different GSM bands.

Call your service provider to ensure band compatibility. The phone must run on all of the bands that your service provider uses to ensure full coverage.

For example, if your service provider runs on the GSM 850, 1800 and 1900 bands, the phone must run on the GSM 850, 1800 and 1900 bands as well.

Once a SIM card is inserted, the phone will be ready to make phone calls. Internet and messaging options, however, are carrier-specific and must be set up with your service provider.

All phone descriptions should include the bands that it runs on. If this information is missing, please notify us and we will provide this information to you. Returned phones will not be accepted due to lack of band compatibility.


Verizon, Sprint and Nextel:

All Verizon phones listed will only work with the Verizon network and CANNOT be unlocked.

All Sprint phones listed will only work with the Sprint network, unless noted that it is UNLOCKED.

1. Q: What is an unlocked phone?

Our unlocked phones are factory direct from their manufacturers. Most cellular phone factories are overseas. They will work with any GSM service provider that uses SIM cards and matching bands.

2. Q: What is the difference between your unlocked phones and the locked phones that cellular service providers sell?

Almost nothing. The phones that service providers sell are "locked" to work only with that particular service provider's SIM cards. Some service providers have specific contracts with other companies for specific programming that we may not able to provide. Some phones may not be defaulted into English straight from the factory. And we do not make you sign any contracts for the good deals that we offer. Since these phones are not yet assigned to a carrier, carrier-dependant features such as messaging and Internet options may not be configured. Please contact your service provider to configure these settings.

3. Q: Will my phone order be shipped the same day that I place it?

Please refer to our general shipping policy. In addition, in order to curb Internet fraud we review all orders for validity before they ship. This usually means that your order can ship within 2 to 4 business days after they are placed.

4. Q: It's been 4 business days since I placed my order and I still haven't received my tracking number. Is there a problem with the order? 

Not necessarily. As all orders are thoroughly reviewed before shipping this may necessitate us contacting you. Please contact our customer service department for more information.



5. Q. What kind of accessories does my new phone come with?

All phones are worldwide unlocked phones. They come with a standard European charger with an American adapter, also all phones come with their respective batteries. Some phones may come with American chargers. Any other accessories will be specified in the description on our website.

6. Q. Does my cellular service provider support unlocked phones?

Yes. As long as you match the network to the phone. Therefore a GSM phone will only work with a GSM network. Please check with your provider for what kind of a network they have. If you call the customer service department of your cellular provider they should be able to tell you which GSM frequencies are running on their cellular towers. Also find out what frequencies run on the towers in the areas that you like to visit. When you purchase a phone make sure that the phone can reach all the frequencies that you are going to be using. This is will ensure maximum area coverage.

7. Q. I can't get my internet to work on my unlocked phone with my provider. Is there something that I can do?

Yes. Just call your service provider customer service (usually 611) and tell them to send you a data packet for the service that you need.


8. Q. I opened my phone and used it once can I return it?

No. Please refer to the return policy.

9. Q. My phone seems to be defective. Am I stuck with it?

No. Call or Email us to get a RMA number assigned before you return the item. We will attempt to find out what is wrong over the phone. We may need to get your phone back to take a look at it and fix it. If we can not fix the phone a replacement will be sent. Phones returned for repair must be returned within 3 days of receipt of merchandise and must have less than 15 minutes of talk time. We do our best to get you your phone back quickly, however we can not predict or control the time restrictions or the decision of the manufacturer.


10. Q. My phone was damaged in transit what should I do?

When you receive your phone from UPS you need to inspect the phone, make sure that it is in satisfactory condition and then sign for it. If there is anything wrong with the phone DO NOT sign for it. Simply give it back to UPS and call us for a replacement. Signing for the phone indicates that you have inspected it and it is in good condition.





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