What is a Network Lock

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SIM lock:

A SIM-Lock, Network Lock, Carrier-Lock, IMEI LOCK or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is actually a technical limitation built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by producers for use by providers to limit the usage of these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is unlike a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not impose any SIM restrictions.Unlocking a cellphone is almost universally legal. Moreover, it is often legal for providers to force SIM locks for certain periods of time, varying by area.


Unlocking Technology:

Typically, a locked phone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On modern phone models running Android mobile phone software, the mobile phone should display a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones should display the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Alternative models may possibly show different messages including "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some circumstances the device may simply display a message stating it's locked. The minute a valid code is keyed in, the phone will display "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.


Economics:

Handset producers have financial incentives both to improve SIM lock security (which placates network organisations and permits exclusivity offers) as well as to weaken it (widening a handset's overall appeal to customers that typically are not interested in the service provider that offers it). Also, making it too tough to unlock a smartphone may make it less attractive to mobile phone network service providers with a legal responsibility to supply unlock codes for some handsets or in certain countries.


Unlocking Services:

Some businesses provide a carrier mobile phone unlocking service . This service requires individuals that wish to unlock a handset to supply their IMEI number to a unlocking company and sometimes they will also request the country and network the mobile phone handset is locked to, frequently sent by email or entered on their web site. The supplier then will supply (once you have paid) a unlock code for the device.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are lots of fraudulent web sites active in the mobile phone unlocking industry. As a result it is recommended to make sure you find a reputable service provider for these services. Do your due diligence and investigate all prospective dealers in advance of choosing to making an order. In the case of online providers, ensure they provide their official organization name and corresponding registration information (every legit enterprise has to be legally registered with all the official authorities in their country of origin) and ensure they give a genuine certified address and contact information on their website. Also ensure that any payments made are through legitimate sources as in a recognized bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but never ever make payment via a direct transfer as this offers no fiancial protection. To assist with your search for a reputable supplier, we have supplied a list beneath (and in no specific order) of a number of legit organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: