Android Smartphones For Dummies

Chapter 3

Deciding on Carrier Service

IN THIS CHAPTER

Checking out what you can and cannot do without service

Figuring out where to go for service

Traveling with your smartphone

One of the more important considerations to make when setting up a new smartphone is what wireless carrier to use for service. A carrier is a fancy technical term for a phone company. That is, the company that is going to provide cellular service to the phone. In this chapter, you explore the ins and outs of wireless carriers, the services they provide, and what service is required to get the most out of your Android smartphone.

What Are Locked and Unlocked Smartphones?

Most people purchase smartphones through a wireless carrier, in which case their phones are locked to that carrier and the decision of which wireless service to use is already made for them (unless, of course, they want to switch carriers for a better deal). However, smartphones can also be purchased “unlocked” directly from the smartphone’s manufacturer. These unlocked smartphones can be brought to almost any wireless carrier and set up on that carrier’s network.

When a smartphone is locked, that means it is tied to a specific wireless ...