Getting my cell unlocked.

[Old_Smokie]

I am getting out of the "Bell Market" as the rates for cell plans is disgusting! I am going with Koodo, however I need to get my phone unlocked. I know that I can get it unlocked from Bell for a fee of 50 bucks (?) or also could risk a 3rd party unlocking option. The problem is, I am outside of a cell service zone at the present and have NO service at all; if I call Bell and pay for the unlock code, can I input it and get the phone locked in a "no-service" area or do I have to wait until I am in a service area for it to take effect? Thanks in advance!

[evans334]

To unlock a phone you need two things:
1) the unlock code
2) a sim card from another provider

that's it.

Depending on the phone, price to unlock varies. iPhones are more expensive (~100-150$) and some Samsung devices can cost as low as 35$.

You don't need to be in a cell coverage area to unlock, just the two things above.

[vitun-tyhmä]

That seems messed up that they make you pay $50 to unlock your phone.
It's a device that you own and paid for, you should be able to do whatever you want with it. That sounds like a class action lawsuit in the making.