Cell phones are becoming increasingly high-end. More like a small computer, today's smartphone can do amazing things. But if you aren't buying unlocked cell phones, you may not be getting the full value of your phone.

Phones sold buy carriers are locked. That means that they can only be used on that carriers service, and may also come with a number of other restrictions, additions, and frustrations with the software.

Unlocked cell phones can be used on any carrier, and increasingly importantly, transferred between individuals.

In Canada, things work similar to the US. Here's a story (as reported by The Barrie Examiner): A woman upgrades her iPhone, but can't give her old (still functional, if not the cell phone du jour) iPhone to her sister, because carriers lock cell phones to prevent their use on other networks. Despite the fact that the woman paid hundreds of dollars for the phone, and by any reasonable definition owns it, what she can do with it is limited. Stories like this are sparking a call for unlocked cell phones in Canada.

How have the cell phone companies responded? By allowing unlocked cell phones in their lower-end lines. Popular smart phones (like the iPhone), must remained locked. Of course, they charge to create unlocked cell phones.

What's one to do? Buy unlocked cell phones outright. New or used cell phones that are also unlocked cell phones come at comparable prices, and without the fees and restrictions carriers impose. If you have a carrier that won't unlock your smartphone, find someone reputable who will.