The ability to use a mobile device with any carrier’s network, rather than being restricted to a single provider, is a crucial characteristic for many users. This freedom of choice allows for greater flexibility in selecting service plans and utilizing local SIM cards when traveling internationally. The status of a device in this regard dictates its compatibility across various network operators.
Device freedom offers benefits such as the avoidance of roaming charges when abroad and the opportunity to leverage competitive pricing from different service providers. Historically, manufacturers and carriers often locked devices to their networks to incentivize customer retention. However, consumer demand for more open and adaptable devices has steadily increased the availability of devices without network restrictions.
