What is a IMEI LOCK

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SIM lock:

A sim-lock, Network Lock, CARRIER LOCK, imei lock or (master) subsidy lock is actually a technical constraint built into CDMA and GSM cellular phones by manufacturers for use by carriers to restrict the use of these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM constraints.The main reason quite a few network providers SIM lock their handsets is that they offer cell phones at a low cost to consumers in exchange for a contract to cover using the network for a selected period of time, normally between one to three years. This business model enables the business to recover the cost of a phone over the life of the contract. These savings are worth anywhere up to hundreds US dollars.


Unlocking Technology:

Frequently, a locked device will display a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On the latest phone models operating on Android mobile phone software, the phone will display a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it is network locked. Windows phones are going to show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other models could show varying messages which include "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some circumstances the mobile will probably show a message saying that it is locked. When a valid code is typed in, the mobile will display "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.


Economics:

Smartphone makers have commercial incentives both to improve SIM lock protection (which placates network providers and will allow exclusivity deals) as well as to weaken it (increasing a mobile's overall appeal to users that are not interested in the service provider that offers it). In addition, making it very hard to unlock a handset may make it considerably less attractive to mobile phone network service providers that have a legal duty to offer unlock codes for some handsets or in specific countries.


Unlocking Services:

A few businesses provide a cell phone unlocking service . This service requires all those that need to unlock a handset to give their IMEI number to a service supplier and frequently they will also require the country and service provider the handset is locked to, sometimes sent by email or entered on their web site. The organization then will provide (at a cost to you) the unlock code for the mobile phone handset.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are lots of dodgy web sites working in the smart-phone carrier unlocking industry. As a result it is recommended to ensure you locate a honest provider for such a service. Do your due diligence and investigate any potential suppliers prior to committing to place an order. In the case of on-line sellers, make certain they provide their formal organization name and corresponding registration information (every legit business should be lawfully registered with the official authorities for their country of origin) and make certain they provide a genuine certified address and contact information on their web site. Also make sure that any payments made are done so via legitimate methods as in a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer because this offers no fiancial security. To aid with a search for a reputable service provider, we have supplied a listing beneath (and in no particular order) of a number of legitimate organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: