Re:Unlocking Cellphones Becomes Illegal Saturday in the U.S.
by andybak on Monday January 28, 2013 @10:18AM
(#5128788)
I'm in Thailand for the next couple of weeks and roaming data costs about $8/megabyte. It's too hard to predict and control data usage when you're used to free data. If I forget one background app or get one setting wrong I could end up with hundreds of dollars in charges.
So no - it's not easier to pay roaming charges. It means I can't trust any app unless I fully understand how it uses data. Swapping out the SIM is the only reasonable option.
Of course - the real solution would be sane roaming data charges.
To get normal usage out of my smartphone
Re:Unlocking Cellphones Becomes Illegal Saturday in the U.S.
by justincormack on Friday January 25, 2013 @05:05AM
(#5114793)
When you want to change carrier, or sell your phone.
If you use VoIP you can keep your number even if you switch to a temporary SIM while travelling. Or just tell people to use Skype etc.
If I'm only overseas for a week (or other short period), and especially if it's for business, it's a whole lot more convenient for me to pay exorbitant roaming fees and still get phone service to my normal number.
Yes, it's cheaper to buy a new sim, and locals can call you a little easier, but in some cases it's not worth it.
The problem that the OP states is that nowadays there doesn't seem to be a lot of real-world practical examples where one would want or need to unlock their phone....