What is a NetworkLock
SIM lock:
A SIM-LOCK, NETWORK LOCK, CARRIER-LOCK, imei-lock or (MASTER) subsidy lock is actually a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by manufacturers for use by providers to limit using these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM limitations.
Unlocking Technology:
A phone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms incorporate software operating on the device or a computer attached to the device, hardware devices that link to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Generally the unlock operation is permanent. The code needed to get rid of all locks from a mobile phone is referred to as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the handset is carrier locked it will usually show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
In many cases a SIM-locked smartphone is available at a substantially reduced price than an unlocked one because the company is expecting income via its service. SIM locks are used on less expensive (pay-as-you-go) mobiles, while special discounts on more expensive handsets demand a subscription that provides guaranteed income. Unlocked phones have a better market value.
Unlocking Services:
A few companies provide a IMEI mobile phone unlocking service . This service needs individuals that need to unlock a phone to give their IMEI number to a service supplier and in most cases they will also ask for the country and cellular network the mobile is locked to, sometimes sent through email or submitted on their website. The supplier then will supply (at a cost to you) a unlock code for the mobile phone. For some brands such as Nokia and Samsung various services also provide special remote-unlocking software with directions, when a cable is needed to remove the SIM lock at home. Such companies may well email the unlocking code or software which will remotely unlock the unit. The cost for unlocking a cellphone will certainly deviate dependent upon the network its locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as each unlock code is unique to each individual device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are a multitude of fraudulent service providers operating in the cell-phone imei unlocking industry. As a consequence it pays to ensure you locate a honest service provider for such a service. To assist with the search for a reputable company, we have provided a checklist below (and in no specific order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
A SIM-LOCK, NETWORK LOCK, CARRIER-LOCK, imei-lock or (MASTER) subsidy lock is actually a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by manufacturers for use by providers to limit using these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM limitations.
Unlocking Technology:
A phone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms incorporate software operating on the device or a computer attached to the device, hardware devices that link to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Generally the unlock operation is permanent. The code needed to get rid of all locks from a mobile phone is referred to as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the handset is carrier locked it will usually show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
In many cases a SIM-locked smartphone is available at a substantially reduced price than an unlocked one because the company is expecting income via its service. SIM locks are used on less expensive (pay-as-you-go) mobiles, while special discounts on more expensive handsets demand a subscription that provides guaranteed income. Unlocked phones have a better market value.
Unlocking Services:
A few companies provide a IMEI mobile phone unlocking service . This service needs individuals that need to unlock a phone to give their IMEI number to a service supplier and in most cases they will also ask for the country and cellular network the mobile is locked to, sometimes sent through email or submitted on their website. The supplier then will supply (at a cost to you) a unlock code for the mobile phone. For some brands such as Nokia and Samsung various services also provide special remote-unlocking software with directions, when a cable is needed to remove the SIM lock at home. Such companies may well email the unlocking code or software which will remotely unlock the unit. The cost for unlocking a cellphone will certainly deviate dependent upon the network its locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as each unlock code is unique to each individual device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are a multitude of fraudulent service providers operating in the cell-phone imei unlocking industry. As a consequence it pays to ensure you locate a honest service provider for such a service. To assist with the search for a reputable company, we have provided a checklist below (and in no specific order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
