Mobile phones have become an integral part of our everyday lives. We use them to keep in touch, take pictures, listen to music and even browse the Internet. The rate at which mobile phone technology has evolved is astonishing. I can still clearly remember the first mobile phones with colour screens. It doesn't seem that long ago, yet already we can use certain mobile phones as a video camera!

One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the 'network restriction' your network service provider places on a mobile phone. If you have ever tried to use an alternative network Sim card in your mobile phone, you have most likely noticed that it will not work. The network restriction effectively 'locks' the phone to one specific network, this is done by the networks in an attempt to prevent you moving to a competing network. What most people do not realize is that you can have this network restriction removed so that you are able to use alternative network Sim cards!

So, how do you get this network restriction removed? A number of phone shops offer an 'unlocking service' whereby they connect your phone to a PC using a specific cable and use specific software to re-program and de-activate the locks on the phone. The usual charge for this service is around £10.00-£15.00. For owners of Nokia mobile phones there is an easier and cheaper alternative - 'unlock codes'! I run an online unlocking service at http://www.unlocks.co.uk where I provide customers with unlock codes (aka restriction codes) for Nokia mobile phones. With a service such as mine, you simply complete an online order form with specific phone information and your unlock codes are displayed instantly upon order completion. The unlock codes are then entered into your Nokia phone via the phones keypad and the network restriction is removed instantly and permanently for only £4.50!

This article is entitled 'The Advantages Of Unlocking' so here goes - there are three main advantages of unlocking your mobile phone:

• Choice
- One network may offer cheaper daytime calls than the other networks, while another network may offer cheaper evening and weekend calls. With your phone unlocked, you can choose which network you use at various times in order to get the best value!

• Save Money
- Anyone who takes their mobile phone with them when visiting another country will be aware of the 'Roaming' feature and the charges which accompany this feature. Using roaming can cost you the earth, however with your phone unlocked, you can avoid roaming charges and save a substantial amount of money by simply purchasing and using a local prepaid Sim card from the country you are visiting.

• Increase The Value Of Your Phone
- Mobile phones that have been unlocked generally have a greater re-sale value than mobile phones still restricted to one specific network. Unlocked phones that can be used on any network are much more attractive to a potential buyer!

One thing you should consider before deciding whether or not to unlock your mobile phone is the difference between a contract phone and a pre-pay phone. Although you may have paid money for your contract phone, the phone itself remains the property of the network until you have completed the said contract. You should check the details of your contract prior to getting it unlocked because it may be prohibited. When you purchase a pre-pay phone, the phone is your legal property and there are no contracts to prohibit you having the phone unlocked.