[citation][nom]WhysoBluepandabear[/nom]Because when activating the phone on Sprint & Verizon, we have to scan the Hex/Dec codes unique to that phone. Sprint & Verizon also don't deal with a lot of issues that arise from unlocked phones -- such as if the phone is stolen, Sprint & Verizon can brick the phone forever, making it useless and never again being able to activate. GSM phones that are unlocked can simply have a new SIM card inserted, and there you go - activated phone. Sprint & Verizon also don't have to worry about people signing a 2 year contract, getting the phone for discount, and then running away with the phone for the discounted price - they ever attempt to screw either of us over, we brick there phone, making it useless. Sprint & Verizon only do phones that are locked to their specific carrier.[/citation]
You might be wrong on the unlock thing. I remember that there where a couple of phone companies over seas that would lock the phone, and brick it if stolen. In this case the equipment protection came from the store you bought the device at.
The phone I have now can be tracked from the manufacturers web sight, and from there I can lock it, format it, or ring it.