Buying an unlocked cell phone has numerous benefits. Beyond the most obvious (cost savings), one of the best benefits to purchasing a used phone instead of a new one is the fact that you will have more control over the network that you use. When you buy a new phone, you are restricted to either using the network that offers the phone you want or using one of the phones supported on your network. With an unlocked used phone, you get the best of both worlds - the phone you want on the network you want.

Of course, in searching for a used phone, you'll still need to find one that will work on whatever network you want to use. However, used phones are often unlocked, meaning they can work on any of a few networks, which gives you more options. You also are not limited by the limited selection available at your provider's local store as you can purchase any phone made for their network, even if it is no longer commercially available, and still get it activated. Cell phone choice is largely influenced by personal preferences and choosing from a wider selection of used phones will help ensure you get the phone with all the features you want.

If you decide to purchase a used cell phone, take some time to figure out what network you want to use. Consider how you plan to use the phone and look for the best combination of coverage and price. For example, if you plan to do a lot of internet browsing with your new phone, look for the carrier with the current lowest prices on their data plans, assuming they have adequate coverage in your area.

Once you know what network you want to operate on, you need to find out what "kind" of network it is. There are a few different kinds that I'm sure you've heard of even if you don't know what they mean - GSM, CDMA, and TDMA are the most common. The different types of networks have their relative advantages. All will perform well in major cities. However, if you live in or plan to use your phone a lot in rural areas, you amy be better off with a CDMA or TDMA network like Verizon or Sprint-Nextel. On the other hand, people that do a lot of international travel are better with a GSM network as these phones come with SIM cards that can easily be swapped out to allow the phone to work on international networks and avoid roaming charges.

Once you know what kind of network you need, find a phone that works on that type of network and begin comparing the prices of the different providers that operate on that network technology. At this point, it's as simple as going in to the local office or calling customer service to sign up and get your used phone activated.