If you visit CowBoom frequently to check out our deal of the day amongst our many other great deals you have most likely noticed the influx of smart phones that have made their way on the site. The beauty of these phones is that you don’t have to extend your current contract to get a great deal on a new phone. For example, if you’re itching to get the new iPhone 4 but don’t want to commit to another 2 years with your current carrier buying a slightly pre-owned model at a fraction of the cost is a great solution. The phones on CowBoom are contract free meaning that you just pay for the phone itself.  If you have an existing contract with your carrier, you can simply swap the old phone with the new one. If you don’t have a contract, or your contract is up, depending on the carrier you can simply pay as you go.

Get a New Phone
One of the great things about CowBoom’s phones is that many (but not all) are already unlocked. Unlocking a phone allows you to use one carrier’s phone on another network. For example, if you want to use an AT&T phone on T-Mobile just get an unlocked AT&T phone. Since both carriers in the U.S. use the GSM network and SIM card technology, you can simply move your SIM card from one GSM phone to another.  There may be phones that are limited to 2G service on the other carrier’s network so it’s best to call the carrier just to be sure.

Although Verizon and Sprint phones use CDMA technology some can be unlocked and used on GSM networks like AT&T or Rodgers in Canada. Certain CDMA “world phones” can do this such as the BlackBerry Storm. When using an unlocked CDMA phone on a GSM network you may be limited to 2G speeds, so be careful when you’re purchasing a CDMA phone for use on a GSM network. Conversely, if you just to swap your Verizon or Sprint phone for a new one like the HTC EVO 4G just call the carrier and they’ll handle it for you.

 Traveling Abroad
If you’re traveling overseas CowBoom’s unlocked phones may be just the ticket for you. Whether you purchase an unlocked CDMA world phone or a GSM based phone, you can easily purchase a SIM card from the overseas provider and voila, you’ll have a local number in the country you’re visiting.

Keep Your Unlimited Data Plan
If you currently have an unlimited data plan with Verizon or AT&T and you’re switching data plan types to accommodate a new phone, make sure you tell them that you wish to retain your plan. For example switching from a Blackberry to an Android phone requires the carrier to change your data plan type. Since these carriers recently switched to more costly metered data plans, it is your responsibility to let them know you wish to remain on the unlimited plan.

Trade in that Old Phone!
Remember, if you’re upgrading your phone and have your old one lying around check out Best Buy’s Trade In Program. It’s a great way to get money for an unwanted mobile phone and protect the environment.

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