What is a imei lock

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SIM lock:

A SIM-LOCK, network lock, carrier lock, imei lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical limitation built into CDMA and GSM cellphones by manufacturers for use by carrier networks to restrict using these phones to a particular locations and/or networks. This is in comparison with a mobile phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) which doesn't enforce any SIM limitations.The reason quite a few carriers SIM lock their devices is that they provide phones at a discount to consumers in return for for a contract to pay for using the network for a chosen period of time, typically between one to three years. This business model allows the company to recoup the cost of the mobile phone over the life of the contract. Such savings are worth anywhere up to hundreds US dollars.


Unlocking Technology:

A mobile phone can be unlocked by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Different mechanisms incorporate software running on the handset or a computer or laptop attached to the handset, hardware devices that attach to the mobile or over-the-air by the carrier. Typically the unlock procedure is permanent. The code required to get rid of all locks from a phone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. Generally if the handset is carrier locked it will usually show one of these messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

On many occasions a SIM-locked smartphone is offered for sale at a considerably cheaper price than an unlocked one simply because the service provider expects income through its service. SIM locks are used on cheaper (pay-as-you-go) handsets, despite the fact that bargains on higher end handsets need a subscription that gives guaranteed income. Unlocked devices have a greater market value.


Unlocking Services:

Quite a few businesses offer a remote mobile phone unlocking service . This service calls for people whom would like to unlock a device to give their IMEI number to a unlocking company and in most cases they will also need the country and cellular network the mobile phone handset is locked to, sometimes sent via email or entered on their web-site. The supplier will then supply (once you have paid) a unlock code for the phone. For a few makes such as Nokia and Samsung several services additionally offer special remote-unlocking software with instructions, when a cable connection is necessary to remove the SIM lock from home. Such suppliers may email the unlocking code or software that will remotely unlock the unit. The cost for unlocking a cellular phone may fluctuate depending on the mobile phone network it's locked to and the mobile phone model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each specific device.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Regrettably there are a lot of dodgy on-line retailers working in the mobile phone carrier unlocking industry. Consequently it pays to be sure you find a reputable supplier for these services. To aid with a search for a trustworthy service provider, we've supplied a checklist just below (and in no specific order) of several legit organizations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: