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 restriction built into GSM and CDMA mobiles by manufacturers to be used by carrier networks to restrict the usage of these phones to a particular locations and/or networks. This is contrary to a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM restrictions.The reason lots of carriers SIM lock their phones is that they offer phones at a discount to customers in exchange for a contract to cover the use of the network for a given time period, commonly between one to three years. This business model permits the company to recoup the cost of the phone across the life of the contract. Such discounts are worth as much as a couple of hundred US dollars.


Unlocking Technology:

A mobile can be unlocked simply by entering a code provided by the network operator. Different mechanisms consist of software working on the handset or a computer or laptop connected to the phone, hardware devices that link to the mobile or over-the-air by the provider. Almost always the unlock procedure is permanent. The code required to do away with all locks from a cell phone is called the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the device is carrier locked it will generally show one of the following messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

Mobile companies have commercial incentives both to strengthen SIM lock protection (which placates service companies and will allow exclusivity deals) and also to weaken it (increasing a handset's overall appeal to users that may not be interested in the service provider that offers it). Also, making it too tough to unlock a mobile may make it significantly less desirable to network service providers with a legal obligation to provide unlock codes for certain handsets or in specific countries.


Unlocking Services:

Several companies offer a permanent cell phone unlocking service . This service calls for individuals whom need to unlock a mobile phone to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also need the country and network the device is locked to, frequently sent by email or entered on their web-site. The company then will provide (for a fee) an unlock code for the mobile phone.




Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are a lot of scammers sites working in the mobile phone IMEI unlocking industry. As a consequence it is recommended to ensure you find a trustworthy provider for these services. Do your due diligence and investigate any prospective dealers in advance of committing to submitting an order. In the case of on line providers, make sure they publish their public organization name and corresponding registration information (all authentic business should be legally registered with all the official authorities within their country of origin) and make sure they provide a legitimate listed address and contact information on their web site. Additionally ensure that any payments made are by legitimate methods 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 provides no fiancial safety. To aid with the search for a trustworthy service provider, we've supplied a list beneath (and in no particular order) of a number of legitimate organizations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: