What is a Network Lock?
From EjWiki
A GSM cell phone will only function with a GSM carrier and will never function on a CDMA network. Similarly, a CDMA phone will only work with a CDMA network and is not going to work on a GSM service. Take note that more sophisticated (2013 and newer) more costly mobiles are equipped to support both CDMA and GSM technologies, letting customers to utilize their smartphones on nearly any network.
Unlocking Technology: A mobile phone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Alternative mechanisms consist of software working on the device or a computer or laptop attached to the phone, hardware devices that link to the device or over-the-air by the service provider. Almost always the unlock operation is permanent. The code needed to eliminate all locks from a cell phone is called the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the handset is network locked it will typically show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics: More often than not a SIM-locked handset is available at a considerably reduced cost than an unlocked one mainly because the supplier expects income via its service. SIM locks are applied on more affordable (pay-as-you-go) units, while discounts on costlier handsets demand a subscription that gives guaranteed income. Unlocked mobile phones have a improved market value.
Unlocking Services: A lot of companies provide a network smartphone unlocking service. This service requires those people that wish to unlock a mobile to give their IMEI number to a service supplier and often they will also require the country and network the device is locked to, frequently sent via email or entered on their web-site. The organization will then provide (at a cost to you) the unlock code for the phone. For some manufacturers for example Nokia and Samsung many services additionally deliver unique remote-unlocking software with guidance, where a cable is required to remove the SIM lock from home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software which can remotely unlock the device. The cost for unlocking a phone will certainly change depending on the network it is locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each specific device.
Unlocking Service Providers: Disappointingly there are a great deal of scammers websites active in the smart phone IMEI unlocking industry. Consequently it is advisable to be sure you locate a trustworthy provider for such a service. Do your due diligence and investigate all prospective retailers in advance of choosing to submitting an order. In the case of online sellers, make sure they publish their official organization name and corresponding registration details (every genuine organization must be legally registered with all the official authorities within their country of origin) and make certain they give a legitimate registered address and contact information on their website. Additionally ensure that any payments made are thru legitimate methods such as a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but never ever make payment via a direct transfer because this offers no fiancial protection. To aid with a search for a reputable company, we have provided an inventory just below (and in no specific order) of a few legit organizations currently offering such services.
