Wirefly Launches Unlocked Cell Phone Category to Consumer Praise and Industry Appeal

Wirefly, announced the launch of its much-anticipated unlocked phone category.

Wirefly’s new unlocked cell phone category includes some of the most desirable phone models worldwide. By adding this option, Wirefly is offering a new degree of freedom to its wireless customers. With an unlocked phone, cell phone users do not need to sign up for a long-term contract with one carrier, and may replace their phone whenever they choose. Wirefly’s selection of unlocked phones also expands its catalog, and introduces an array of new and innovative models to American consumers.

"The growing popularity and market acceptance of unlocked phones has brought forth many different and exciting phone models. In addition, the Supreme Court’s recent decision on unlocked phones further paves the way for a much larger and expanding market here in the United States," said Brian Westrick, Wirefly's President. "Our customers have been clamoring for an unlocked phone category for a long time, and it appears that our new ‘unlocked’ category is already performing well from our initial consumer tests and sales. We see unlocked phones as a significant market opportunity in the years ahead."

All unlocked cell phones are models originally designed to operate on a GSM network. GSM phones use a removable SIM card to store subscriber information and to communicate with the cellular network. If a phone is ‘locked’ to a specific carrier, its on-board software will only recognize SIM cards from that carrier. Once unlocked, these GSM phones will accept any SIM card.

As the cell phone market continues to mature, increasingly savvy customers are moving away from the standard carrier contract service model, and have begun exploring the choices that come with an unlocked phone. Unlocked phone owners are free to purchase a new phone at any time, without being expected to extend a carrier contract. In addition, an unlocked phone is ideal for international travelers; while abroad, it is easy to purchase a local SIM card and avoid high roaming charges with a U.S. provider.