What is a Network-Lock?
From EjWiki
SIM lock: A sim-lock, NETWORK LOCK, CARRIER-LOCK, imei-lock or (master) subsidy lock serves as a technical restriction built into CDMA and GSM cell phones by producers to be used by providers to limit the use of these phones to specific countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM limitations.The main reason a lot of network providers SIM lock their phones is because they offer phones at a discount to consumers in exchange for a contract to fund using the network for a given time period, normally between one to three years. This business model allows the organization to recover the cost of the device over the life of the agreement. These sort of reductions are worth around a few hundred US dollars.
Unlocking Technology: Usually, a locked handset will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, asking for the unlock code. On the latest phone models working on Android operating system software, the cellphone is going to show a message saying “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it is network locked. Windows phones should show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other models could display varying messages like "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some cases the phone will probably display a message saying it's locked. Once a valid code is entered, the mobile displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics: The main reason to unlock a mobile is going to be able to utilize it with another SIM card. Users may wish to carry on using their smartphone but with a new service provider or when traveling in foreign countries they may need to connect to a overseas network by using a pre pay subscription.
Unlocking Services: Many businesses offer a permanent mobile phone unlocking service. This service needs all those that need to unlock a phone to provide their IMEI number to a service supplier and sometimes they will also need the country and network the mobile is locked to, often sent through email or entered on their web site. The company will then provide (at a cost to you) a unlock code for the handset. For a few manufacturers as in Nokia and Samsung numerous services additionally deliver unique remote-unlocking software with instructions, where a cable is needed to remove the SIM lock at home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software which will remotely unlock the unit. The price for unlocking a phone may vary based on the network it's locked to and the handset model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each specific handset.
Unlocking Service Providers: Regrettably there are a multitude of scammers organizations operating in the smartphone IMEI unlocking industry. As a consequence it pays to ensure you locate a reliable supplier for these services. To aid with your search for a trustworthy company, we have supplied a listing below (and in no specific order) of a number of genuine organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: Cell UnlockerMobile UnlockedDoctorSIMUnlock.ZoneUnlock BaseUnlock River
