What is a MASTER subsidy lock

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SIM lock:

A sim-lock, Network-Lock, Carrier-Lock, imei lock or (master) subsidy lock serves as a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA phones by manufacturers for use by carrier networks to limit the usage of these phones to specific countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a cell phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't enforce any SIM constraints.The reason why lots of network providers SIM lock their devices is that they provide cell phones at a discount to customers in exchange for a contract to pay for the use of the network for a specified timeframe, generally between one to three years. This business model allows the organization to recover the price of the phone across the duration of the agreement. These discounts are worth as much as hundreds of US dollars.




Unlocking Technology:

Typically, a locked handset will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On modern phone models working on Google android software, the cell phone should display a message stating “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other devices may possibly show a variety of messages for instance , "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some instances the device will probably show a message saying that it is locked. As soon as a valid code is entered, the handset displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.


Economics:

The key reason to unlock a mobile is to be able to use it with a different SIM card. Consumers might like to continue using their cell phone but with a different provider or when traveling overseas they may need to connect to a foreign network using a pay as you go subscription.


Unlocking Services:

Lots of businesses provide a online phone unlocking service . This service needs those people whom need to unlock a phone to provide their IMEI number to a service supplier and sometimes they will also ask for the country and service provider the mobile phone handset is locked to, often sent via email or entered on their web-site. The organization then will supply (in return for a fee) an unlock code for the mobile phone. For a lot of brands as in Nokia and Samsung various services also offer unique remote-unlocking software with guidance, when a cable is necessary to remove the SIM lock from home. Such vendors may well email the unlocking code or software that should remotely unlock the device. The price for unlocking a phone will vary based on the mobile phone network it is locked to and the smartphone model itself, as every unlock code is unique to each unique handset.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Disappointingly there are lots of dodgy web sites operating in the smart phone network unlocking industry. Consequently it is recommended to ensure you use a trustworthy provider for this service. Do your due diligence and investigate all potential retailers before choosing to place an order. In the case of online sellers, ensure they document their genuine organization name and matching registration information (all legit business should be legally registered with all the official governing bodies for their country of origin) and make sure they provide a legitimate registered address and contact details on their web site. Also make sure that any payments made are by legitimate methods such as a recognised bank or financial institution using a debt or credit card, but do not ever make payment via a direct transfer as this provides no fiancial security. To aid with the search for a trustworthy service provider, we have provided a checklist beneath (and in no specific order) of several genuine organisations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: