The Blackberry is without doubt one of the coolest smart phones around to own and use. If you have not yet had the opportunity to use one of the amazing Blackberry models out there such as the Bold, the Curve or the Pearl, you should at least try the phones out to see how they function and perform. But many might not be aware of the fact that when you purchase your Blackberry, the smart phone is actually locked to allow only a single GSM network provider to provide its services to your phone. In reality, your phone can actually accept more than a single GSM network, something that not many out there are aware of.

To explain further, let me provide you with an example. If you purchase a Blackberry that is locked to AT&T's services, you would not be able to utilize the network services of Sprint or Verizon for instance. That means your phone only accepts SIM cards from AT&T, and would clearly reject SIM cards from Sprint and Verizon. This would not be the case if your phone is unlocked, as it would then be able to accept any SIM card from any GSM network provider without restriction. The case would be the same if you get your Blackberry network services from Sprint, if the phone is locked to Sprint's services, and you would not be able to access the networks of both Verizon and AT&T.

Having your phone locked would pose your difficulties especially when you travel. Imagine being in a new location where you do not have access to your specific network provider, say a new country. You would usually be required to use a completely different phone when you face this situation so that you can connect to the GSM network that is available in the new area. This is the problem that you would face with a locked Blackberry. If you manage to unlock your Blackberry prior to travelling, all you have to do is to insert a local prepaid SIM card into your phone that would now be able to accept any GSM network service as the locking function has already been disabled. For the record, the unlocking process is accomplished with the use of an unlock Blackberry code.

Carrying a locked phone would also increase the costs of phone bills for you, as utilizing non-local GSM networks on your travels would subject you to having to pay roaming charges which is without doubt expensive. This would undoubtedly increase your travel costs, especially if you need to use your phone a lot. With an unlocked Blackberry, you can forget about all these roaming charges as your phone would be able to recognize and utilize and SIM card with any network service provider.

Considering that most GSM network providers tie a contract with you when you sign up with them, opting to change another service provider if you are unhappy with your current provider could be an expensive affair as well. Avoid this complication by unlocking your Blackberry, and have the ability to use any SIM card with your phone at your leisure.