What is a Network Lock

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SIM lock:

A sim lock, network-lock, carrier-lock, IMEI LOCK or (Master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM smartphones by manufacturers for use by service providers to limit the usage of these phones to a particular locations and/or networks. This is in contrast to a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't enforce any SIM limitations.


Unlocking Technology:

A phone can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the service operator. Different mechanisms incorporate software operating on the handset or a pc attached to the device, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the carrier. Generally the unlock procedure is permanent. The code needed to remove all locks from a mobile phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the phone is network locked it will generally display one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

The main reason to unlock a handset is going to be able to utilize it with another SIM card. Users may wish to keep on using their cell phone but with a different service provider or when traveling in another country they might need to connect to a foreign network using a prepaid subscription.


Unlocking Services:

Lots of organizations offer a network unlocking service . This service calls for individuals that want to unlock a mobile phone to provide their IMEI number to a service supplier and often they will also request the country and cellular network the device is locked to, often sent through email or entered on their web site. The supplier will then supply (once you have paid) the unlock code for the mobile.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Disappointingly there are a lot of scammers on line retailers active in the smart-phone network unlocking industry. As a consequence it pays to be sure you locate a trustworthy provider for these services. To aid with the search for a legitimate supplier, we have provided a checklist below (and in no specific order) of several genuine organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: