Despite these efforts to create a stronger retail presence for these unlocked phones, the market remains small. ... In Asia, about 80 percent of cell phones are sold independently of a carrier.

There are often very specific rules that you have to follow before you can unlock a phone. For example, the phone can't be reported stolen or missing, needs to have been paid for in full, and might ...

Until that goes away, I see unlocked phones being a very small piece of our business in North America." Indeed, price is the major barrier for cell phone makers looking to sell directly to consumers.

Unlocked phones are still only a small part of the US market, but they're growing. ... All the way back in 2006, I declared that the "unlocked cell phone revolution begins now." ...

Priced at $349, the unlocked version works with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and MetroPCS. Until now, it has been a Verizon exclusive in the US.

This Black Friday, shop savings on unlocked phones from Motorola, Samsung, and Apple. Slash up to 50% off on new devices like the Motorola Razr.

Small phones are hard to find. Makers seem to favor devices with much larger displays. Sean Hollister at The Verge recounts his search for a good small phone.

What It Means to Have an Unlocked Phone. Most cell phones and smartphones are tied, or locked, to a certain cellular carrier, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint.

SAVE UP TO 50%: Unlocked phones from Samsung, Apple, and other top brands are heavily discounted ahead of Black Friday. Find the Motorola Razr for 50% off — it's down to $349.99, saving you $350 ...