For many years now popular software applications and operating systems have been “hacked” enabling the beneficiary to illegally leverage a price of software for no charge. In most cases wealthy companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Apple don’t get as many revenue dollars as they should; in other cases the small software producers are hurt when revenue slips at critical stages. Like software for a computer, cell phones are open to similar activities.

Unlocking Methods:

1. At time of Manufacturer: This method simply means the phone was never built with a locking mechanism. The phone, brand new out the box is intended to be used on any spectrum supported GSM network whether 2G or 3G.

2. Hacking or Jail breaking: This method is illegal and is not supported in any way by Ensquared. It allows the “underground” community to work out how to disable the “locking” mechanism of a locked phone and then provide a hack for others to use. This methodology usually makes any warranty void since the operating system will be modified and sometimes actual units will need to be opened and modified.

3. Unlocking by Service Provider: Once a user has purchased a locked phone they can usually contact their provider and pay a fee to have the hardware unlocked. The price they pay is usually expensive which is a message from the provider that Unlocking is not recommended.

Ensquared’s research has shown that although multiple methods exist for unlocking cellphones as explained above the method an individual chooses is based on age and demographic. Most teenagers and twenty somethings will elect to Hack or Jailbreak a phone since they are tech savvy or have access to a friend who can find the back door hacking methods. The 30 Plus age group simply find it easiest to walk into a store or purchase online (such as an online retailer like Ensquared). It is pretty rare for any age group to pay the expensive fee offered by service providers.

As more month to month contracts become available and as prepaid growth captures market share in the USA, Unlocked cellphones will become a mainstream product offering which will be adopted by the American nation.

By far the most famous phone brand to ever be unlocked is the Apple Iphone. The Iphone can be hacked using the customer software file called PwnageTool which has been built to run through a series of step by step instructions leading to a change in software and the loading of a customer specific piece of software, which will allow the phone to work on any GSM network around the globe.

Other popular brands such as Nokia are more difficult to hack as not all models can simply be unlocked using a code. They often require hardware interfaces and cables to makes changes to the devices. There are many online sites that offer a service where the phones can be posted in and qualified hackers will unlock the device for a nominal fee.

It is very important to point out that Ensquared does not promote illegal methods of Unlocking cellphones, which will have negative financial impact on more than one individual/company each time the process occurs.

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