What is a Network Lock

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SIM lock:

A sim-lock, Network Lock, CARRIER LOCK, IMEI-Lock or (MASTER) SUBSIDY lock is really a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM smartphones by producers to be used by service providers to restrict the usage of these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is not like a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't enforce any SIM constraints.Unlocking a cellphone is nearly universally legal. At the same time, it is often legal for service providers to force SIM locks for certain amounts of time, varying by area.


Unlocking Technology:

A device can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms incorporate software running on the handset or a pc attached to the handset, hardware devices that attach to the phone or over-the-air by the service provider. More often than not the unlock process is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cell phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. If the device is carrier locked it will generally show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

Smartphone companies have monetary incentives both to enhance SIM lock protection (which placates service companies and permits exclusivity offers) and then to weaken it (expanding a device's overall appeal to customers that aren't interested in the service provider that offers it). In addition, making it very hard to unlock a device may possibly make it a lot less attractive to network service providers who have a legal obligation to offer unlock codes for certain devices or in particular countries.


Unlocking Services:

A number of companies provide a remote cell phone unlocking service . This service requires those people that need to unlock a mobile phone handset to give their IMEI number to a service supplier and quite often they will also need the country and service provider the mobile phone is locked to, often sent via email or submitted on their website. The supplier will then supply (in return for a fee) an unlock code for the mobile phone. For some manufacturers including Nokia and Samsung various services also supply special remote-unlocking software with guidance, when a cable connection is required to remove the SIM lock from home. Such suppliers may email the unlocking code or software that should remotely unlock the device. The price for unlocking a cell phone can fluctuate according to the mobile phone network its locked to and the phone model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each individual handset.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are lots of dodgy companies operating in the cellphone IMEI unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to ensure you locate a reputable provider for this service. To assist with a search for a trustworthy service provider, we have provided a listing just below (and in no specific order) of several legitimate organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: