What is a Carrier Lock?
From EjWiki
SIM lock: A sim lock, Network Lock, Carrier-Lock, imei-lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is really a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA smartphones by producers to be used by carriers to restrict using these phones to particular locations and/or networks. This is unlike a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM restrictions.Unlocking a mobile phone is virtually universally legal. In addition, it's legal for service providers to force SIM locks for certain time periods, differing by region.
Unlocking Technology: Typically, a locked mobile phone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, asking for the unlock code. On modern phone models running Android software, the mobile phone will display a message saying “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones are going to display the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other models might show differing messages including "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some circumstances the handset will probably present a message stating it's locked. As soon as a valid code is entered, the device will display "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics: The reason to unlock a mobile phone is going to be able to utilize it with another type of SIM card. Customers might need to continue using their smartphone but with a new service provider or while traveling in foreign countries they may want to connect to a overseas network using a prepay subscription.
Unlocking Services: A certain amount of organizations offer a remote phone unlocking service. This service calls for all those whom want to unlock a mobile to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also need the country and network the phone is locked to, either sent through email or entered on their website. The organization then will provide (in return for a fee) the unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers: Regrettably there are a lot of dodgy sites operating in the smart phone carrier unlocking industry. Consequently it pays to be certain you find a genuine service provider for these services. Do your due diligence and investigate all potential suppliers before choosing to making an order. In the case of on line suppliers, make certain they list their formal company name and matching registration information (every authentic enterprise is required to be lawfully registered with all the official authorities in their country of origin) and make sure they supply a legitimate certified address and contact information on their web-site. Also make sure that any payments made are through legitimate methods for instance a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer since this offers no fiancial safety. To assist with a search for a legitimate company, we've provided an inventory just below (and in no specific order) of a few genuine organizations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: Unlock.ZoneUnlock BaseUnlock RiverCell UnlockerMobile UnlockedDoctorSIM
