What is a network lock

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SIM lock:

A SIM-Lock, network-lock, carrier lock, imei-lock or (master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM mobile phone devices by manufacturers for use by service providers to restrict the use of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM restrictions.The reason why quite a few network providers SIM lock their smartphones is that they provide cell phones at a discount to customers in return for for a contract to fund using the network for a selected time period, typically between one and three years. This business model enables the company to recover the price of the cell phone over the duration of the contract. These sort of reductions are worth around a couple of hundred US dollars.


Unlocking Technology:



Usually, a locked phone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On recent phone models working on Android software, the cellphone should show a message saying “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will display the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Some other handsets may well display a variety of messages for example "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some circumstances the mobile will simply display a message stating that it's locked. Right after a valid code is entered, the mobile phone handset will display "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.


Economics:

In many cases a SIM-locked phone is available at a substantially lower price than an unlocked one due to the fact that the company anticipates income via its service. SIM locks are used on inexpensive (pay-as-you-go) units, though discounts on costlier handsets demand a subscription that provides guaranteed income. Unlocked mobiles have a improved market value.


Unlocking Services:

A lot of companies offer a network mobile phone unlocking service . This service calls for individuals whom need to unlock a mobile to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and in most cases they will also ask for the country and service provider the phone is locked to, often sent via email or entered on their web site. The organization then will provide (at a cost to you) the unlock code for the mobile phone.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Disappointingly there are a great deal of fraudulent on line retailers active in the cell phone unlocking industry. Consequently it is recommended to be certain you locate a honest provider for this service. To assist with your search for a reputable supplier, we've provided a checklist just below (and in no particular order) of several legitimate organizations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: