What is a Network Lock
SIM lock:
A simlock, NETWORK LOCK, carrier-lock, IMEI-Lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is really a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM cell phones by manufacturers to be used by service providers to restrict using these phones to specific locations and/or networks. This is in comparison with a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM limitations.
Almost all mobile handsets can be unlocked to operate with any GSM mobile phone network provider, though the phone may still display the original branding and may not support popular features of the new service provider. Apart from the locking, cell phones might also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the network provider. This firmware is installed by the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. Almost all mobile phones can be unbranded by re-flashing another type of firmware version, a process suitable for advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
A device can be unlocked simply by entering a code supplied by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms consist of software working on the device or a computer or laptop connected to the phone, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Almost always the unlock procedure is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cellphone is referred to as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the device is network locked it will typically show one of the following messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
Phone producers have monetary incentives both to improve SIM lock protection (which placates network organisations and permits exclusivity deals) and to weaken it (expanding a phone's allure to buyers who are not interested in the service provider that offers it). Also, making it too tough to unlock a mobile might make it a lot less appealing to mobile phone network service providers with a legal responsibility to offer unlock codes for certain handsets or in selected countries.
Unlocking Services:
Lots of organizations provide a IMEI cell phone unlocking service . This service needs people who want to unlock a mobile phone handset to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also request the country and cellular network the device is locked to, either sent via email or submitted on their web-site. The company then will supply (once you have paid) an unlock code for the device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are a lot of dodgy web sites operating in the mobile phone carrier unlocking industry. Consequently it is prudent to be certain you use a trustworthy supplier for this service. To assist with a search for a trustworthy service provider, we've provided a list below (and in no particular order) of a number of genuine organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
A simlock, NETWORK LOCK, carrier-lock, IMEI-Lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is really a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM cell phones by manufacturers to be used by service providers to restrict using these phones to specific locations and/or networks. This is in comparison with a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM limitations.
Almost all mobile handsets can be unlocked to operate with any GSM mobile phone network provider, though the phone may still display the original branding and may not support popular features of the new service provider. Apart from the locking, cell phones might also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the network provider. This firmware is installed by the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. Almost all mobile phones can be unbranded by re-flashing another type of firmware version, a process suitable for advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
A device can be unlocked simply by entering a code supplied by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms consist of software working on the device or a computer or laptop connected to the phone, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Almost always the unlock procedure is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cellphone is referred to as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the device is network locked it will typically show one of the following messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
Phone producers have monetary incentives both to improve SIM lock protection (which placates network organisations and permits exclusivity deals) and to weaken it (expanding a phone's allure to buyers who are not interested in the service provider that offers it). Also, making it too tough to unlock a mobile might make it a lot less appealing to mobile phone network service providers with a legal responsibility to offer unlock codes for certain handsets or in selected countries.
Unlocking Services:
Lots of organizations provide a IMEI cell phone unlocking service . This service needs people who want to unlock a mobile phone handset to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also request the country and cellular network the device is locked to, either sent via email or submitted on their web-site. The company then will supply (once you have paid) an unlock code for the device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are a lot of dodgy web sites operating in the mobile phone carrier unlocking industry. Consequently it is prudent to be certain you use a trustworthy supplier for this service. To assist with a search for a trustworthy service provider, we've provided a list below (and in no particular order) of a number of genuine organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
