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 limit built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by producers for use by carrier networks to restrict the usage of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is as opposed to a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't enforce any SIM limitations.In the event the devices had not been locked, owners might possibly sign a contract with a particular organization, get the low priced phone, then quit paying the monthly bill (thus breaking the agreement) and begin using the phone on another mobile phone network or maybe sell the device for a profit. SIM locking curbs this by barring a change of mobile phone network (using a new SIM).

Unlocking Technology: A handset can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the network operator. Different mechanisms incorporate software operating on the handset or a computer or laptop attached to the device, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Typically the unlock operation is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cellphone is referred to as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the device is network locked it will generally display one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.

Economics: The primary reason to unlock a mobile phone handset is usually to be able to use it with another type of SIM card. Users might like to keep on using their phone but with a new service or while traveling in another country they might like to connect to a international network using a pre pay subscription.

Unlocking Services: Quite a few businesses provide a remote smartphone unlocking service. This service calls for people that want to unlock a mobile phone handset to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and in most cases they will also need the country and service provider the mobile phone is locked to, often sent through email or entered on their web-site. The organization then will provide (in return for a fee) an unlock code for the handset.

Unlocking Service Providers: Disappointingly there are a lot of fraudulent web sites working in the mobile phone carrier unlocking industry. As a result it is prudent to be certain you locate a honest provider for such a service. To assist with a search for a legitimate company, we have supplied a checklist just below (and in no particular order) of a number of legit organisations currently offering such services.

Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: Cell UnlockerMobile UnlockedDoctorSIMUnlock.ZoneUnlock BaseUnlock River