What is a network lock?

network lock, known as many names, including SIM Lock, Simlock or Dontiva Lock, is the technology that wireless road carriers use to prevent mobile phones that sell on another network. Mobile phones can be locked in a particular country, network or subscription identity of the module (SIM). The "locked" phone is usually sold to customers at a discounted price because the carrier expects to receive revenue from the customer by providing wireless phone services. Customers who want to "unlock" their phone can apply for a carrier who will provide them with the unlock code or can contact third -party services or tools.

There are several reasons why a mobile phone may not work on a specific wireless carrier network, from incompatible technologies to think. Most wireless networks worldwide use a standard known as a global mobile communication system (GSM); However, a different standard is sometimes used in several countriesy. In the US, for example, some carriers use GSM while others don't. GSM networks can also work on several different radio frequencies and not all GSM phones support each frequency worldwide. Many phones also include a network lock that limits the portability of the phone between carriers.

The network lock is generally built into the phone by the manufacturer and can come in several forms, depending on the phone, area and carriers. For the most part, the phone will only work with a SIM card from one provider. It is also possible to lock the phone for an individual SIM card or SIM cards from a particular country, although these methods are less common. In general, only GSM phones include such a lock, as the basic technologies of other types of networks prevent consumers from switching carriers.

wireless carriers often include a network lock on mobile phones that sell to consumers to make them fromAbránilioda of the transition to the Network of a competitor. Locked phones are often sold at a heavily discounted price or giving away to attract new customers. The carrier expects to return the cost of the phone by being the only service provider. A customer who buys a locked phone can also be forced to sign a long -term contract.

In many cases, the network lock can be removed from the phone by a process known as "unlocking". Consumers may want to unlock their phones for many reasons, including lack of reception on a particular network, desires to avoid expensive international fees for roaming and availability of cheaper plans from other carriers. Under certain circumstances, some carriers provide customers with a special code to unlock your phone. Alternatively, there are tools and services adapted to unlocking the phone, many of which are available online. In most countries it is legal to unlock the phone for use in another network, but consumers should always doublethe Ákons before the acceptance of any action.