Firstly let me start by explaining the difference between a SIM
Free phone and the more traditional Contract or Pre-Pay mobile
phone. SIM Free refers to GSM phones (see below for more on
this) that are sold without a connection or line. SIM Free
phones have never been locked to a particular network. It can be
said that they are ‘unlocked’, but actually they have never been
locked to begin with! This is better as it means that the phones
are in factory condition and are less likely to develop
problems. They can therefore accept any SIM that is associated
with a compatible frequency. A tri-band SIM Free phone will work
on any GSM network in the world, but you must insert a SIM that
works in the area you want to use it. All GSM 900 / GSM 1800
compatible SIM Free phones will work on any UK SIM.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

The most important aspect of GSM is its standardisation. This
allows a SIM card owner to insert the SIM into any SIM Free GSM
phone (with compatible frequencies) and the phone would work.
This standardisation also applies to anywhere one goes with a
GSM network. This is provided that the correct frequency of the
card / network is available to that handset.

GSM frequencies are:

– GSM 900 (O2, Vodafone and most networks around the world)

– GSM 1800 (Orange, T-Mobile and some European networks)

– GSM 1900 (Used in USA & Canada)

Phones that are sold tied to a network such as Vodafone, O2,
Orange etc. are programmed with all sorts of customisations that
can make changing a network far more cumbersome than with a SIM
Free phone. With the increasing trend in overseas travel, it is
much more cost-effective to buy a SIM card local to the country
you are visiting rather that paying the hefty costs that the UK
networks charge for overseas calls. SIM Free phones offer the
flexibility to do this.

The Future?

SIM Free phones are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and
further afield, as the market is now very competitive, offering
consumers a wide range of choice at very reasonable prices. Of
course a contract is still a very good option, but if you do not
want to be tied to a contract, or maybe have a slightly less
desirable handset given to you by your employer, SIM Free offers
a choice that many consumers haven’t previously considered.

There are some very good online retailers offering exactly what
I’ve mentioned above. I’ve recently been involved with the
launch of the 2g3g.co.uk website, which backed by
extensive research offers a user-friendly interface, backed with
all of the required technical information that the most clued up
of customers would require.

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