What is a CARRIER LOCK

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SIM lock:

A simlock, NETWORK LOCK, Carrier-Lock, IMEI LOCK or (master) SUBSIDY lock is a technical limit built into CDMA and GSM cellphones by producers for use by carriers to restrict the usage of these phones to specific locations 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 numerous carriers SIM lock their smartphones is simply because they provide cell phones at a discount to consumers in exchange for a contract to fund the use of the network for a selected period of time, often between one and three years. This business model allows the business to recover the price of the phone over the lifetime of the contract. These discounts are worth as much as hundreds US dollars.


Unlocking Technology:

Normally, a locked mobile phone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On the latest phone models running Android mobile phone software, the smartphone is going to show a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it is 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 show assorted messages such as "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some circumstances the mobile will probably show a message saying it's locked. As soon as a valid code is typed in, the device will display "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.


Economics:

Mobile companies have financial incentives both to strengthen SIM lock security (which placates service providers and permits exclusivity deals) and to weaken it (widening a smartphone's appeal to users who typically are not interested in the service provider that offers it). In addition, making it too hard to unlock a phone may make it much less desirable to mobile phone network service providers who have a legal liability to provide unlock codes for certain devices or in certain countries.


Unlocking Services:

A few businesses offer a phone unlocking service . This service requires those people who would like to unlock a mobile to provide their IMEI number to a service supplier and frequently they will also request the country and network the mobile is locked to, either sent by email or submitted on their website. The company then will provide (once you have paid) a unlock code for the handset. For many makes for instance Nokia and Samsung various services additionally deliver special remote-unlocking software with directions, when a cable is required to remove the SIM lock from home. Such companies may email the unlocking code or software which can remotely unlock the unit. The price for unlocking a cellular phone may vary dependent upon the mobile phone network it is locked to and the device model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each unique handset.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are a huge number of dodgy organizations working in the cell-phone network unlocking industry. As a result it is advisable to ensure you use a reputable supplier for such a service. To assist with your search for a trustworthy company, we've supplied an inventory beneath (and in no specific order) of a number of genuine organizations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: