What is a carrier lock
SIM lock:
A sim-lock, NETWORK LOCK, carrier lock, imei-lock or (master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limitation built into GSM and CDMA mobile phones by manufacturers to be used by providers to restrict the usage of these phones to specific locations and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM restrictions.SIM locking is extremely common if subsidized phones are sold with prepay contracts. What is important to note, however, that the technology tied in with the smartphone needs to be compatible with the technology used by the network carrier. A GSM mobile phone can only work with a GSM carrier and won't operate on a CDMA network. Moreover, a CDMA mobile is only going to work with a CDMA service and won't work on a GSM service. Take note that modern (2013+) higher priced cellphones are equipped to support both CDMA and GSM technologies, permitting consumers to utilize their mobiles on any network.
Unlocking Technology:
A handset can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms include software operating on the handset or a computer attached to the phone, hardware devices that attach to the mobile or over-the-air by the carrier. Usually the unlock procedure is permanent. The code needed to do away with all locks from a phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. 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 mobile is usually to be able to use it with another SIM card. Consumers may want to carry on using their phone but with a different service provider or if traveling overseas they may want to connect to a international network by using a pre pay subscription.
Unlocking Services:
Quite a few organizations offer a IMEI cell phone unlocking service . This service requires those people whom would like to unlock a mobile phone handset to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and quite often they will also ask for the country and service provider the mobile is locked to, sometimes sent through email or submitted on their web site. The company then will supply (at a cost to you) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are lots of dodgy sellers active in the smart phone network unlocking industry. Consequently it is advisable to ensure you locate a reputable provider for this service. To aid with your search for a reputable service provider, we've supplied a checklist just below (and in no particular order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
A sim-lock, NETWORK LOCK, carrier lock, imei-lock or (master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limitation built into GSM and CDMA mobile phones by manufacturers to be used by providers to restrict the usage of these phones to specific locations and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM restrictions.SIM locking is extremely common if subsidized phones are sold with prepay contracts. What is important to note, however, that the technology tied in with the smartphone needs to be compatible with the technology used by the network carrier. A GSM mobile phone can only work with a GSM carrier and won't operate on a CDMA network. Moreover, a CDMA mobile is only going to work with a CDMA service and won't work on a GSM service. Take note that modern (2013+) higher priced cellphones are equipped to support both CDMA and GSM technologies, permitting consumers to utilize their mobiles on any network.
Unlocking Technology:
A handset can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms include software operating on the handset or a computer attached to the phone, hardware devices that attach to the mobile or over-the-air by the carrier. Usually the unlock procedure is permanent. The code needed to do away with all locks from a phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. 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 mobile is usually to be able to use it with another SIM card. Consumers may want to carry on using their phone but with a different service provider or if traveling overseas they may want to connect to a international network by using a pre pay subscription.
Unlocking Services:
Quite a few organizations offer a IMEI cell phone unlocking service . This service requires those people whom would like to unlock a mobile phone handset to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and quite often they will also ask for the country and service provider the mobile is locked to, sometimes sent through email or submitted on their web site. The company then will supply (at a cost to you) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Disappointingly there are lots of dodgy sellers active in the smart phone network unlocking industry. Consequently it is advisable to ensure you locate a reputable provider for this service. To aid with your search for a reputable service provider, we've supplied a checklist just below (and in no particular order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
