What is a SIM lock

From AI Knowledge
Jump to: navigation, search
SIM lock:

A sim-lock, NETWORK-LOCK, carrier-lock, IMEI LOCK or (Master) subsidy lock is actually a technical constraint built into GSM and CDMA mobile devices by producers to be used by carriers to restrict the usage of these phones to a particular countries and/or networks. This is unlike a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't impose any SIM restrictions.


Unlocking Technology:

A mobile phone can be unlocked simply by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Alternative mechanisms contain software running on the device or a pc connected to the device, hardware devices that attach to the handset or over-the-air by the provider. Usually the unlock operation is permanent. The code required to eliminate all locks from a mobile phone is called the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. If the phone is network locked it will usually display one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

The primary reason to unlock a mobile phone is going to be able to utilize it with another SIM card. Consumers might want to carry on using their cell phone but with a new service or if traveling overseas they may want to connect to a international network by using a pay as you go subscription.


Unlocking Services:

A few organizations provide a permanent unlocking service . This service needs individuals that need to unlock a phone to supply their IMEI number to a service supplier and frequently they will also request the country and network the device is locked to, frequently sent by email or entered on their website. The organization then will supply (at a cost to you) an unlock code for the handset.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are a great deal of dodgy service providers active in the cellphone network unlocking industry. Consequently it is recommended to be certain you find a honest provider for such a service. Take the necessary precautions and investigate every prospective retailers prior to committing to making an order. In the case of online providers, make sure they publish their formal company name and corresponding registration details (every authentic enterprise is required to be lawfully registered with the official authorities for their country of origin) and make certain they supply a genuine registered address and contact information on their web site. In addition ensure that any payments made are done so by legitimate methods for instance a recognized bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer since this offers no fiancial protection. To aid with the search for a trustworthy company, we have provided a listing beneath (and in no particular order) of a few legit organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: