What is an unlocked HTC Smartphone?
It's the same great phone as any HTC Smartphones, without customized carrier software or SIM restrictions, so you can use any carrier's wireless SIM card.
What is customized carrier software?
Designed by carriers to ensure optimum network use, customized carrier software may include specific features to that carrier only. These are usually required to optimize network features.
Why would I want an unlocked HTC Smartphone?
International travel can be easier with a SIM unlocked phone. Some users dislike customized carrier software, and want an unlocked model.
It comes down to personal preference, however, as most carriers provide unlock codes for fully-purchased devices.
What US networks do HTC Smartphones unlocked / developer edition work on?
The hardware for the HTC Smartphone Unlocked & Developer will work fully on the following US LTE Networks:
- Alaska Communications
- AT&T
- Cricket
- MetroPCS
- NET 10
- Straight Talk
- T-Mobile
- WalMart Family Mobile
- Additional carriers may be supported. To confirm, check with your carrier to ensure the bands listed below are supported.
(See below for a list of the supported LTE bands. )
How can I buy an HTC Smartphone with customized carrier software but without a contract?
You can buy an HTC Smartphone at full retail value, without contract, at many retailers as well as online at HTC.com
What is a Developer Edition?
The HTC Smartphone Developer edition ships with the bootloader unlocked. In layman's terms, this means the device is ready for developers and experimenters and technically savvy consumers to load other versions of Android onto. This isn't something most consumers will do with their phones as it could cause serious problems to the hardware if not done properly.
What is the difference between “Unlocked” and "Bootloader Unlocked”?
The typical “Unlocked” phone refers to the SIM card, and whether or not SIM cards from other wireless carriers can be inserted into the phone. The unlocked Bootloader can put your phone at risk if you are unaware of the capabilities of a rooted phone. For more details visit the HTC Developer site
Can someone “Bootloader Unlock” any other HTC Phone?
Many other HTC phones can be Bootloader Unlocked. The HTC Developer site has details. HTC is committed to assisting customers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices. However, certain models may not be unlockable due to operator restrictions. We continue to work with our partners on this, check back often for ongoing updates about unlockable devices.
What are the downsides of Bootloader Unlocked phones?
In the worst case scenario, it is possible that your device may be physically damaged due to overheating or the behavior of your device might be altered including, but not limited to, hearing aid compatibility (HAC) and specific absorption rate (SAR) values. Some content on your device may also be invalidated and cannot be accessed any more because of invalid DRM security keys. This includes content that you may have purchased through a 3rd party vendor and through HTC. Furthermore, although you will still be able to receive updates to your device via FOTA (“firmware over the air”), we do not guarantee that updating your device via FOTA will not render your device unusable. Please understand that you will not be able to return your device to the original state.
HTC Smartphone Unlocked & Developer Edition Band Support
2 (1,900 MHz)
3 (1,800 MHz)
4 (1,700 MHz AWS)
5 (850 MHz)
7 (2,600 MHz)
12 (700 MHz lower A/B/C)
13 (700 MHz upper C)
17 (700 MHz lower B/C)
29 (700 MHz D/E)
30 (2,300 MHz WCS)
