What is a SIMLOCK
SIM lock:
A SIMLOCK, Network-Lock, carrier lock, IMEI-Lock or (MASTER) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limit built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by manufacturers to be used by carriers to restrict the usage of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM constraints.
Almost all cell phones can be unlocked to work with any GSM mobile phone network provider, however the phone can still display the original branding and may not support features of the new carrier. Besides the locking, smartphones may also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the mobile phone network provider. This firmware is installed through the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. Almost all handsets can be unbranded by re-flashing a different firmware version, a procedure recommended for advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
Normally, a locked smartphone will display a message if a restricted SIM is used, asking for the unlock code. On new phone models running Android software, the mobile phone is going to show a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Alternative devices may show a variety of messages like "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some cases the phone may simply display a message saying that it's locked. As soon as a valid code is entered, the mobile displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics:
In many cases a SIM-locked mobile is marketed at a substantially reduced price than an unlocked one simply because the supplier expects income thru its service. SIM locks are used on more affordable (pay-as-you-go) mobile phones, whilst bargains on higher end handsets require a subscription that gives guaranteed income. Unlocked mobile phones have a higher market value.
Unlocking Services:
Several organizations provide a mobile phone unlocking service . This service requires individuals whom want to unlock a handset to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and sometimes they will also ask for the country and service provider the mobile is locked to, frequently sent via email or entered on their website. The company then will provide (once you have paid) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are a multitude of scammers on-line retailers operating in the smart-phone unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to be sure you locate a reliable provider for such a service. Take the necessary precautions and investigate all prospective suppliers prior to choosing to submitting an order. In the case of online sellers, ensure they publish their official organization name and corresponding registration details (every authentic business should be lawfully registered with all the official authorities in their country of origin) and make sure they provide a genuine registered address and contact information on their web-site. Furthermore make sure that any payments made are thru legitimate methods as in a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer because this offers no fiancial protection. To aid with your search for a legitimate company, we have supplied an inventory below (and in no specific order) of a number of legit organisations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
A SIMLOCK, Network-Lock, carrier lock, IMEI-Lock or (MASTER) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limit built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by manufacturers to be used by carriers to restrict the usage of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM constraints.
Almost all cell phones can be unlocked to work with any GSM mobile phone network provider, however the phone can still display the original branding and may not support features of the new carrier. Besides the locking, smartphones may also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the mobile phone network provider. This firmware is installed through the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. Almost all handsets can be unbranded by re-flashing a different firmware version, a procedure recommended for advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
Normally, a locked smartphone will display a message if a restricted SIM is used, asking for the unlock code. On new phone models running Android software, the mobile phone is going to show a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Alternative devices may show a variety of messages like "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some cases the phone may simply display a message saying that it's locked. As soon as a valid code is entered, the mobile displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics:
In many cases a SIM-locked mobile is marketed at a substantially reduced price than an unlocked one simply because the supplier expects income thru its service. SIM locks are used on more affordable (pay-as-you-go) mobile phones, whilst bargains on higher end handsets require a subscription that gives guaranteed income. Unlocked mobile phones have a higher market value.
Unlocking Services:
Several organizations provide a mobile phone unlocking service . This service requires individuals whom want to unlock a handset to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and sometimes they will also ask for the country and service provider the mobile is locked to, frequently sent via email or entered on their website. The company then will provide (once you have paid) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are a multitude of scammers on-line retailers operating in the smart-phone unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to be sure you locate a reliable provider for such a service. Take the necessary precautions and investigate all prospective suppliers prior to choosing to submitting an order. In the case of online sellers, ensure they publish their official organization name and corresponding registration details (every authentic business should be lawfully registered with all the official authorities in their country of origin) and make sure they provide a genuine registered address and contact information on their web-site. Furthermore make sure that any payments made are thru legitimate methods as in a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer because this offers no fiancial protection. To aid with your search for a legitimate company, we have supplied an inventory below (and in no specific order) of a number of legit organisations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
