T-Mobile Changes SIM Unlock Rules

T-Mobile is changing its SIM unlock policies for the better, though they had a bit of prodding as the result of a class action lawsuit. It will be easier for those that travel to other countries with their phone or for former customers who's accounts were closed while in good standing.TMoNews has the full scoop on the rule changes. If you are on their FlexPay plan or a normal postpaid plan, you can get your phone unlocked after only 40 days instead of 90 days. If you are on a prepaid plan you'll be able to request an unlock code after 60 days instead of 90 days.

This is a big benefit to those that travel overseas quite a bit and want to pop in a SIM card from a local carrier instead of incurring those large roaming charges. Voice roaming charges are high enough but once they start dinging you for data and text on a trip, you could start a nice college fund with the roaming charges you'd pay.

If you have left T-Mobile for some reason and want to continue to use your phone on another GSM carrier like AT&T you'll also be able to just use your AT&T SIM. The only problem with that is you won't get much more than voice, text and EDGE data services. T-Mobile phones and AT&T networks don't mix when it comes to 3G.

These changes also apply to business and government accounts, so if you are responsible for roaming employees, this may be a way to lower your telecom costs.