Should I be able to use any network with any phone?

I've never had this problem or anything, just something I thought of. Are there any phones that do not work with specific companies, for whatever reason?

Some are chipped to prevent you doing just that - I used to have a pay as you go model that was linked to a specific network, I forget which, but they were taken over after a while so maybe it's not a good commercial idea?

Well I think all of the sets works with all the companies .. If GSM based ...

I think that mostly all phones work with all compines except tracfone they only have nokias and motos which limits you a lot.

I have been told I couldn't use certain phones with certain providers. This really ticks me off when it is the same type of network. I think I should be able to do what I want with a phone that I purchase, and the cell providers usually have a problem with that.

Wait a second. Isn't there a company out there now that let's use you any network? I remember seeing a TV ad for it not too long ago, and the whole pitch is that the network, whether it be Verizon, T-Mobile or any other, is irrelevant. Either the service of the phone (I think it's the service) works with any network.

Anyone else see these TV ads?

Some phones are set so that only work with a specific network, but they can be unlocked.

My bro has a US cellphone but with a Philippines number so he can send text messages to my cousins in the country since it's cheaper.

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