What is a carrier-lock?
From EjWiki
A SIM lock, network lock, CARRIER LOCK, imei-lock or (Master) subsidy lock is a technical restriction built into CDMA and GSM smartphones by manufacturers for use by carriers to restrict the use of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is as opposed to a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM restrictions.SIM locking is incredibly common if subsidized devices are offered with pay as you go contracts. It is really important to note, however, that the technology accompanying with the cell phone must be compatible with the technology used by the network carrier. A GSM cellular phone will only work with a GSM carrier and isn't going to operate on a CDMA network. Moreover, a CDMA phone can only work with a CDMA service and is not going to operate on a GSM network. Be aware that newer (2013+) more costly cell phones are capable of supporting both CDMA and GSM technologies, letting consumers to utilize their phones on any type of network.
Unlocking Technology: A mobile can be unlocked simply by entering a code provided by the service operator. Different mechanisms include software working on the handset or a pc attached to the device, hardware devices that link to the handset or over-the-air by the carrier. Generally the unlock operation 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. If the phone is carrier locked it will typically show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.
Economics: In many cases a SIM-locked device is offered at a noticeably reduced cost than an unlocked one because the company plans income thru its service. SIM locks are employed on more affordable (pay-as-you-go) units, though special discounts on more pricey handsets require a subscription that provides guaranteed income. Unlocked mobiles have a increased market value.
Unlocking Services: A number of companies offer a carrier phone unlocking service. This service requires individuals whom wish to unlock a phone to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and in most cases they will also require the country and network the mobile phone handset is locked to, either sent through email or entered on their web-site. The organization then will supply (once you have paid) a unlock code for the handset. For a lot of manufacturers for instance Nokia and Samsung a variety of services also deliver unique remote-unlocking software with instructions, when a cable connection is needed to remove the SIM lock at home. Such organizations may email the unlocking code or software which can remotely unlock the unit. The price for unlocking a telephone will certainly vary according to the network it's locked to and the device model itself, as each unlock code is unique to each unique handset.
Unlocking Service Providers: Disappointingly there are a multitude of dodgy websites working in the cell-phone imei unlocking industry. Consequently it is advisable to be certain you find a reputable provider for these services. To assist with a search for a trustworthy supplier, we have supplied a list beneath (and in no particular order) of several legit organisations currently offering such services.
