when looking for a cell phone some sellers have carrier: unlocked. what does this mean?

[jenn201169]

I am trying to find a cell phone to buy my husband and some sellers have beside carrier, unlocked. not sure hat this means can someone help me out

[theafkgamer]

Unlocked means that the cell phone can be used with any provider, ie Bell, Rogers, Fido, etc.

If it is not unlocked, then the cell phone can only be used with the company stated.