What is a NetworkLock
SIM lock:
A simlock, NETWORK LOCK, carrier lock, imei lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is actually a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA cell phones by manufacturers for use by providers to restrict the use of these phones to a particular locations and/or networks. This is as opposed to a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM constraints.SIM locking is extremely common if subsidized handsets are offered with pay as you go contracts. It is essential to note, however, that the technology linked with the smartphone will have to be compatible with the technology being employed by the network carrier. A GSM cellphone can only function with a GSM carrier and will never function on a CDMA service. Likewise, a CDMA cellphone will only work with a CDMA network and will not operate on a GSM network. Take note that more recent (2013 onwards) higher priced mobiles are equipped to support both CDMA and GSM technologies, letting consumers to use their phones on nearly any network.
Unlocking Technology:
A smartphone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Different mechanisms contain software working on the device or a pc attached to the handset, hardware devices that link to the mobile or over-the-air by the service provider. Generally the unlock operation is permanent. The code required to eliminate all locks from a cell phone is called the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. If the device is network locked it will typically show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
Phone companies have economic incentives both to enhance SIM lock protection (which placates service providers and enables exclusivity discounts) and weaken it (extending a smartphone's appeal to buyers who typically are not interested in the provider that offers it). Also, making it very hard to unlock a smartphone might make it a lot less desirable to mobile phone network service providers with a legal responsibility to supply unlock codes for certain devices or in particular countries.
Unlocking Services:
A few companies offer a carrier cell phone unlocking service . This service calls for those people whom wish to unlock a handset to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and in most cases they will also need the country and service provider the mobile phone handset is locked to, often sent through email or entered on their web site. The organization will then supply (once you have paid) the unlock code for the phone. For some brands such as Nokia and Samsung numerous services also offer unique remote-unlocking software with directions, when a cable is required to remove the SIM lock at home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software that will remotely unlock the device. The price for unlocking a phone may change according to the mobile phone network its locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as each unlock code is unique to each specific device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are a multitude of fraudulent on-line retailers operating in the smart-phone unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to be certain you find a reputable supplier for this service. Do your due diligence and investigate any prospective dealers in advance of choosing to submitting an order. In the case of online suppliers, ensure they publish their formal organization name and corresponding registration details (every legit organization has to be legally registered with the official authorities in their country of origin) and ensure they give a legitimate certified address and contact details on their website. Additionally ensure that any payments made are via legitimate methods such as a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer since this offers no fiancial protection. To assist with a search for a legitimate service provider, we've provided a list just below (and in no particular order) of a few legit 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 actually a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA cell phones by manufacturers for use by providers to restrict the use of these phones to a particular locations and/or networks. This is as opposed to a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM constraints.SIM locking is extremely common if subsidized handsets are offered with pay as you go contracts. It is essential to note, however, that the technology linked with the smartphone will have to be compatible with the technology being employed by the network carrier. A GSM cellphone can only function with a GSM carrier and will never function on a CDMA service. Likewise, a CDMA cellphone will only work with a CDMA network and will not operate on a GSM network. Take note that more recent (2013 onwards) higher priced mobiles are equipped to support both CDMA and GSM technologies, letting consumers to use their phones on nearly any network.
Unlocking Technology:
A smartphone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Different mechanisms contain software working on the device or a pc attached to the handset, hardware devices that link to the mobile or over-the-air by the service provider. Generally the unlock operation is permanent. The code required to eliminate all locks from a cell phone is called the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. If the device is network locked it will typically show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics:
Phone companies have economic incentives both to enhance SIM lock protection (which placates service providers and enables exclusivity discounts) and weaken it (extending a smartphone's appeal to buyers who typically are not interested in the provider that offers it). Also, making it very hard to unlock a smartphone might make it a lot less desirable to mobile phone network service providers with a legal responsibility to supply unlock codes for certain devices or in particular countries.
Unlocking Services:
A few companies offer a carrier cell phone unlocking service . This service calls for those people whom wish to unlock a handset to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and in most cases they will also need the country and service provider the mobile phone handset is locked to, often sent through email or entered on their web site. The organization will then supply (once you have paid) the unlock code for the phone. For some brands such as Nokia and Samsung numerous services also offer unique remote-unlocking software with directions, when a cable is required to remove the SIM lock at home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software that will remotely unlock the device. The price for unlocking a phone may change according to the mobile phone network its locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as each unlock code is unique to each specific device.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are a multitude of fraudulent on-line retailers operating in the smart-phone unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to be certain you find a reputable supplier for this service. Do your due diligence and investigate any prospective dealers in advance of choosing to submitting an order. In the case of online suppliers, ensure they publish their formal organization name and corresponding registration details (every legit organization has to be legally registered with the official authorities in their country of origin) and ensure they give a legitimate certified address and contact details on their website. Additionally ensure that any payments made are via legitimate methods such as a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer since this offers no fiancial protection. To assist with a search for a legitimate service provider, we've provided a list just below (and in no particular order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
