What is a Network-Lock?

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SIM lock: A SIMLOCK, Network-Lock, carrier lock, IMEI LOCK or (MASTER) subsidy lock is really a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM mobile devices by producers to be used by carriers to limit the use of these phones to particular locations and/or networks. This is in contrast to a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't enforce any SIM restrictions.

Unlocking Technology: A device can be unlocked by entering a code provided by the network operator. Different mechanisms include software running on the handset or a pc connected to the device, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the carrier. More often than not the unlock procedure is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cell phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the handset is network locked it will usually display one of the following messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.

Economics: Quite often a SIM-locked smartphone is offered at a considerably cheaper price than an unlocked one simply because the supplier expects income thru its service. SIM locks are used on inexpensive (pay-as-you-go) handsets, though bargains on more pricey handsets require a subscription which offers guaranteed income. Unlocked devices have a a lot higher market value.

Unlocking Services: Many organizations provide a IMEI unlocking service. This service calls for those people whom need to unlock a phone to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and sometimes they will also ask for the country and cellular network the mobile phone is locked to, either sent by email or submitted on their website. The company then will provide (once you have paid) an unlock code for the handset. For many makes including Nokia and Samsung several services additionally offer special remote-unlocking software with directions, where a cable connection is needed to remove the SIM lock from home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software that should remotely unlock the unit. The cost for unlocking a phone will fluctuate based on the network it's locked to and the smartphone model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each individual handset.

Unlocking Service Providers: Unfortunately there are lots of fraudulent organizations active in the cell-phone network unlocking industry. Consequently it pays off to be sure you use a reliable service provider for such a service. To aid with your search for a legitimate service provider, we've supplied a checklist just below (and in no particular order) of a number of legit organizations currently offering such services.

Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: Mobile UnlockedDoctorSIMUnlock.ZoneUnlock BaseUnlock RiverCell Unlocker

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