US cell phone carriers have always discouraged unlocked cell phones—they just don't fit in with the US model of cell phone service, where you're expected to lock into a two year plan in exchange for a subsidized cell phone, and where the carriers want to control that cell phone, and slightly increase their profits by marking it up with their own branding and paid, locked to the phone apps.

But there are many important uses for unlocked cell phones, whether you need to travel internationally, switch between a company and personal phone number, have the freedom to change carrier to keep youself in the most affordable plan, or whether you just want to say no to all the carrier's add-ons.

Many companies are seeking to introduce cell phones that are unlocked out of the box to the US market. Blu, a South American company, was one of the first. Palm tried with its last attempt before dieing, and a few other companies offer unlocked cell phones (but ones that aren't truly unlocked in terms of software, just GSM carrier flexible).

Now Unnecto is hoping to be the next big unlocked cell phone company, and it's main appeal to consumers will be its dual SIM card—the easiest way to switch between GSM carriers or cell phone plans. It would seem from early reports that they've developed software to make the switch easy for the consumer—insert both your GSM SIM cards, and the phone will accept calls from either and guide you through your outbound communications.

In any case, this is just the first in a world wide trend for more unlocked cell phones to reach the US.