SIM lock

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A SIM lock , simlock , network key , operator key or ( master ) subsidy keys are technical restrictions built into GSM and CDMA phones by phone manufacturers for use by service providers to limit the use of this phone to a particular country and/or network. This is different from the phone (retrospectively called without SIM or locked ) that does not apply any SIM restrictions.

Generally, the phone can be locked to accept only SIM cards with certain International Mobile Customer Identities (IMSIs); IMSI can be limited by:

Mobile country code (MCC, e.g., will only work with SIM issued in one country)
Mobile network codes (MNC, eg, AT & amp; T Mobility, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Bell Mobility, etc.)
Mobile customer identification number (eg MSIN, only one SIM can be used with phone)

In addition, some phones, especially Nokia phones, are locked by group ID (GID), restricting them to one MVNO from a particular carrier.

Most phones can be unlocked to work with any GSM network provider, but the phone may still display the original branding and may not support the new carrier feature. In addition to locking, the phone can also install the firmware on those that are specific to the network provider. For example, a Vodafone or Telstra branded phone in Australia will display a relevant logo and can only support the features provided by that network (eg Vodafone Live!). This firmware is installed by the service provider and is separate from the locking mechanism. Most phones can be unbranded by reflecting different firmware versions, recommended procedures for advanced users only.

The reason many SIM network providers lock their phones is that they offer mobile phones at a discounted price to customers in exchange for a contract to pay for network usage for a certain period of time, usually between one and three years. This business model allows the company to cover phone charges during the contract period. The discount is worth up to several hundred US dollars. If the phone is unlocked, the user can sign a contract with one company, get a discounted phone, then stop paying monthly bills (thus breaking the contract) and start using the phone on another network or even sell the phone for profit. SIM locking limits this by prohibiting network changes (using new SIM).

SIM locking is very common if subsidized phones are sold on prepaid contracts. It is important to note, however, that the technology associated with the phone must be compatible with the technology used by the network operator. GSM phones will only work with GSM operators and will not work on CDMA network providers. Similarly, CDMA cell phones will only work with CDMA carriers and will not work on GSM network providers. Note that newer, upscale mobile phones (2013) are capable of supporting CDMA and GSM technologies, allowing customers to use mobile devices on any network. Examples of these mobile devices are Apple iPhone 5c, 6 and newer, Motorola G4, G5, X Pure, Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8 smartphones, most phones based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset or radio.

In some jurisdictions, such as Canada, Chile, China, Israel, and Singapore, it is illegal for providers to sell SIM-locked devices. In other countries, carriers may not need to unlock the device or may require consumers to pay a fee for unlocking.

Unlocking the phone, however, is almost universally legal. In addition, it is often legal for operators to force a SIM lock for a certain amount of time, varying by region.

Video SIM lock

Locking technology

The handset can be unlocked by entering the code provided by the network operator. Alternative mechanisms include software running on the handset or computer attached to the handset, hardware connected to the handset or over-the-air by the operator. Usually the unlock process is permanent. The code required to remove all keys from the phone is called master code , network code code , or multilock code . There are also several levels of keys placed on the phone by the network, which block the use of other network SIM cards. This is commonly referred to as a "Network" (NCK) or "Service Provider" (SPCK) key and may be removed using a unique unlock code that is unique to each phone depending on its IMEI.

Usually, the locked handset will display a message if a limited SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. In the latest phone model running Android software, the phone will display a message saying "SIM unlocks PIN network" or "Enter Network Key Control Lock" if the network is locked. The Windows phone will display a message, "This SIM card can only be used on certain networks. Contact your customer service center to unlock". The other handset can display different messages like "Enter special code" or "Enter unlock code", or in some cases the handset will only display a message stating that it is locked. After valid code is entered, the handset will display "Network Unlocked" or "Network Unlock successful".

The unlock code is verified by the handset and generated by the manufacturer, usually by an algorithm such as a hash function or a one-way trapdoor. Sometimes large telecom providers change the original factory unlock code as an extra layer of security against the unlocking service. For major brands such as Samsung and Motorola there is no algorithm but only a random code generator where the unlock code is programmed in the phone itself and then stored in a large database managed by the manufacturer. For other brands where the unlock code is still based on an algorithm based on IMEI number and MCC code and has been re-engineered, stolen or leaked. Some handsets can be opened using software that generates the unlock code of the IMEI number and country and operator details using special algorithms for the handset. Other manufacturers have taken a more cautious approach, and embed a random number on the rigid device of the handset kept by the manufacturer and the network on whose behalf the key is applied. This handset can still be opened by online services that have access to people inside with the manufacturer or with the telecommunication network, or they must connect to a computer with a cable where special software will pass security and unlock the phone's SIM. Sometimes this is done with advanced calculations to bypass security by official means and other times using exploits or override parts of the firmware where key status is stored, and often even restore a bricked or completely corrupted phone in software.

Most handsets have security measures built into their firmware that protects them from repetitive attempts to guess the unlock code. After entering more than a number of incorrect codes, the phone becomes frozen . This is the state where the phone will display a security message that the phone needs service. Older phones can not be used anymore at this time, but modern smartphones often keep working with the original SIM but need extra work to then unlock it the right way. Depending on the brand, these "frozen conditions" can sometimes be overcome with unfreeze (Samsung) custom codes and cable solutions, and other brands require custom cable solutions. In the worst situation, someone needs a special "JTAG" hardware solution to fix the phone. This is often required when there is more damage to the software, often including software damage to the "bootloader".

A locked phone is a phone in which the telecommunications provider has modified the firmware on the phone to make it impossible to manually enter the unlock code in any way. The only solution to open a SIM like phone is to change the firmware to a firmware that has not been modified by the telecom provider, so-called "unbranded firmware".

Economy

The handset manufacturers have good economic incentives to strengthen the security of SIM locks (which calm the network provider and allow exclusive offerings) and to weaken it (extending the appeal of the handset to customers who are not interested in the service providers offering it). Also, making it too difficult to unlock the handset may make it less attractive to network service providers who have a legal obligation to provide unlock codes for particular handsets or in certain countries.

In some cases, SIM-locked handsets are sold for far less than unlocked rates, as service providers expect revenue through their services. SIM locks are used on cheaper handsets (pay-when-you-go), while discounts on more expensive handsets require a subscription that provides a guaranteed income. Unlocked handsets have a higher market value, especially if they are debited. Debranding involves reflashing or replacing firmware to remove operator logos or any constraints or adjustments that have been imposed on the handset by the carrier, and usually resolved with software designed for a particular handset model, but most smartphones can be branded and opened only by using special software.

The main reason for unlocking the handset is to be able to use it with a different SIM card. Consumers may wish to continue using their previous provider with new handsets or when traveling abroad they may wish to connect to foreign networks with a prepaid subscription.

However, the basic principle of GSM and its successors, is an open interface that encourages competition among many vendors. This is the reason why the mobile phone, in fact, the combination of the phone and the identity of the customer (SIM). Locking the phone to a network is not much different than installing a SIM into the phone. Network operators in many industrialized countries are not bound by law to provide a telephone unlocking code to customers even after the expiration of the contract period. Mobile phones with some SIM cards are quite common in India. Most phones sold in the UK are locked networks and a single SIM but SIM-free phones are available.

Box breaking

Practices known as box breakers are common in the United Kingdom and other markets. This involves the purchase of subsidized handsets (usually pay-as-you-go) from retail stores, unlocking phones, and then selling them (often abroad) at prices higher than subsidized retail prices. The SIM card that came with the handset is then discarded, sold or used elsewhere. This practice is legal in the UK and provides a de facto limit to the extent to which networks are willing to subsidize pay-as-you-go handsets. While the box breaking action is legal, some businesses are also involved in illegal activities such as exporting damaged-box phones to other countries, for sale as gray market goods without paying import duties (known as Carousel Fraud) or replace fake batteries and chargers.

Unlock service

Some companies offer online unlocking services. This service requires that individuals who wish to unlock the handset give their IMEI number and sometimes also the country and operator details to the company, either via email or website. The company will then provide the unlock code for the handset. For some brands like Nokia and Samsung, various services also offer specialized software that unlocks remotely with instructions, where cables are required to unlock the SIM lock at home. Such companies can send an email to the unlock code or software that will unlock the device remotely. Some companies also offer unlocking services that require the sending of IMEI handset numbers. Another company sells unlocking hardware, including a suitable device between SIM card and phone to spoof the original network identifier at registration and the device to read and edit the handset's firmware. The price to unlock the device will vary depending on the locked network and the handset model itself, as each unique unlock code for each handset.

Unlock code generator

There are online services that will provide IMEI unlocking services for Nokia DCT4 and DCT3 phones. This unlock method requires the user to know which carriers are locked by the phone, and also need to provide IMEI. Generally, the old Nokia unlock code of the old model is free and taken directly by the service. The unlocked keys must be entered to the phone using the keypad.

For DCT4 and DCT3 Nokia, the unlock code consists of a "#" key, followed by "pw", 10 (DCT3) or 15 (DCT4) digits, "", and other numbers ranging from 1-7, and finally ending in A "#". Depending on the operator that is locked by the phone, only some code will work with the phone. Most phones respond to unlock codes ending in 1 # or 7 #, but some phones are configured to allow only one of the seven codes to work. Here is an example of the DCT4/DCT3 opening code:

  # pw 931882753035021 7 #

DCT4 and DCT3 Nokia will only allow a maximum of five unlock attempts using the unlock code method. After five codes are entered, the phone will not allow the user to try any other code (even if it is true) and will require the owner to try other unlock methods.

Maps SIM lock

Law and practice

Many of the countries listed below have some form of SIM locking legislation which specifies the SIM locking period and a fee for obtaining the unlock code.

Andorra

In Andorra, the state-owned communications cellular company, Mobiland does not sell SIM-locked phones. Because there is no competition, consumers usually buy a standard cell phone that is not locked to a particular carrier.

Austria

In Austria, unlocking is allowed at any time by the device owner. The lawsuit decides to support mobile operators encouraging the unlock of mobile phones by providing links to free/low cost unlock services.

T-Mobile Austria is charging 150 euros to unlock the iPhone for prepaid subscribers and contract customers. For customers who have completed their 2-year iPhone contract, T-Mobile Austria charges 50 euros to unlock the iPhone.

Australia

In Australia, the carrier can choose whether to SIM/Key Network handset or not and usually tend to only SIM/Network prepaid key handset. There does not seem to be any rules or laws about locking a driver's license in Australia.

A law professor, Dale Clapperton, gave a lecture stating that bundling iPhone and mobile phone services could violate the Trade Practice Act. However, no other legal or academic professional supports this point of view. It also does not discuss locking SIM per se , just as it is applied for subscription iPhone purchases, and key persistence beyond the contract period.

Belgium

Until 2007, Belgium had laws that ban mergers, but they were challenged for violating the 2005/29/EC European Guidelines, Unfair Commercial Practice Guidelines.

On April 23, 2009, the European Court ruled against Belgium and violated Belgium's anti-bundling law. The Belgian government was granted until May 2009 to amend the law, failing which the European Commission will begin the process against Belgium.

This makes China, Singapore and Israel the only countries in the world that prohibit locking of SIM and direct telephone contracts/bundling. Chile started a ban on January 1, 2012.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

In Brazil, SIM lock is not prohibited. However, the mobile carrier must notify the consumer of the existence of a SIM lock. Anatel, the Brazilian telecommunications regulator, requires operators to open free mobile phones when required by the user. Following this rule, most telecom operators start voluntarily unlocking the device as soon as it is purchased so that people can leave the store with unlocked phones.

Canada

SIM lock has been banned in Canada since December 1, 2017. First announced June 15, 2017 as part of an increase to the Wireless Code of Ethics (or "Wireless Code") implemented by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the ban requires that all new devices should be sold open and the carrier must offer to unlock the phones purchased before December 1, 2017 at no cost.

Starting from the introduction of Wireless Code in 2013 to the revised Code that prohibits locking of SIM in 2017, this Code requires that wireless carriers must offer the ability of the device to be unlocked no later than 90 calendar days from the start of the contract for subsidized devices, or immediately after the purchase of a device not subsidized. However, this Code does not expressly prohibit the operator at the time from charging to do so.

Prior to the introduction of the Wireless Code, New Democratic Member of Parliament Bruce Hyer first attempted to mandate the unlock of the SIM at the end of his mobile contract when he introduced a private member bill entitled the Freedom of Cell Phone Act in 2010. Such a measure would not be prohibited SIM locking but would requires the wireless carrier to unlock the phone at no cost at the end of the contract mobile phone. The bill was introduced in two parliamentary sessions but failed to pass the time.

China

Under the regulations imposed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, locking the phone to certain operators is prohibited if other operators also use the same type of network technology. Therefore, all phones approved for sale in China are never locked to get started regardless of whether the consumer buys the phone under contract or not. However, because the three Chinese operators each use different network technology after 3G adoption, operators began to ask mobile phone manufacturers to disable support for network technologies not used by these operators even though the phone was originally designed to be capable of supporting network technology. Such a move does not result in a violation of the phone locking ban. For example, the iPhone 6 is designed to support LTE FDD, LTE TD, CDMA and WCDMA LTE technology, but China Mobile reached an agreement with Apple to create a custom model for China Mobile in addition to retail models outside of the contracts sold. by Apple and third-party vendors with the ability to support LTE FDD, CDMA, WCDMA, which is a technology not used by China Mobile, is disabled, effectively creates a special contract model that is incompatible with 3G and 4G networks from other carriers even if the phone is not never locked.

Colombia

Starting October 1, 2011, all mobile phone service providers, must sell to all users of unlocked devices and provide free support to unlock devices previously sold. This rule is instructed to allow portability of mobile numbers and to facilitate the reduction of the simultaneously ordered costs.

Chile

Since Chile January 1, 2012, the newly sold mobile phone must be unlocked. Previously purchasing a locked phone should be opened for free. The regulation was enforced to implement the portability of mobile numbers. However, legislation only requires the phone to be used with all Chilean providers. This does not include the opening of international keys for use outside of Chile, so users may have to pay for a key unlocking service.

Croatian

In Croatia, for devices purchased under contract, the mobile carrier must provide the unlock code upon the user's request for free. The request can be made immediately after purchasing the phone, and the operator has a 15 day period to fulfill the request. For devices purchased with prepaid packages, users must wait at least 12 months before making the request.

Denmark

The operator may choose to contract up to 6 months from the start of the contract. Many operators choose not to lock the phone. Only Hi3G ("3") locks their phone, but can only do it for six months. If the phone needs to be unlocked within the first six months, the operator can charge DKK 500 (~ EUR67) to unlock. After six months, the operator is required by law to unlock the phone for free. But consumers need to contact the original supplier, and provide the IMEI and the original phone number for which the phone was sold.

Ecuador

Although no special law prevents SIM locking, in December 2009 two of Ecuador's biggest operators, Porta and Movistar, unlocked phones that were previously sold by them, at no cost.

European Union

Countries in the European Union (EU) each have their own laws on locking the driver's license, but must comply with the Unfair Practice of Unfair Commercial Practice (Directive 2005/29/EC 2005). As mentioned above, this hint has been successfully applied in Belgium to overturn the country's previous ban on bundling phones with contracts. However, operators in many countries in the EU do not necessarily associate the status of a phone's SIM lock with a customer's tie-in contract status.

Finnish

In Finland, operators are not permitted to sell GSM phones that are locked in the SIM, nor are they allowed to offer sales in GSM equipment. According to Finnish law, the sale of a tie is defined as selling equipment for discounted price contents on the consumer also obtaining new service contracts from the seller. Under the provisions of the temporary exemption, effective from 2006 to 2009, tie-in sales are allowed with 3G handsets, and 3G equipment purchased under the tie-in sale may be locked by a SIM. The SIM lock must be issued free of charge at the end of the tie-in contract, within a maximum duration of 2 years. In 2008, the Finnish government is preparing to extend the exclusion, and at the same time, is considering reducing the duration of the tie-in contract to one year.

French

In France, SIM locks are not prohibited. However, the mobile carrier must notify the consumer of the existence of the SIM lock, and the customer has the right to request that the key be deleted at any time. No later than three months after subscribing to the contract, the cellular operator shall be "systematically and freely available" providing the customer with a procedure to disable the SIM lock. Proposals to shorten the time that an operator can charge a fee to remove the SIM lock before from six months to a three month time limit.

German

In Germany, there seems to be no effective law governing the locking of the driver's license. For example, the iPhone was originally offered for sale in Germany exclusively via T-Mobile, and was locked for T-Mobile networks. They started giving the unlock code for the phone after being sued by Vodafone and a temporary order issued that required T-Mobile to do so. The Vodafone command was later canceled, and the iPhone again available was exclusively locked on T-Mobile. While T-Mobile Germany told the court that they will unlock the iPhone after the contract, they do so voluntarily.

While SIM locking is legal, the court ruled in 2012 that providers should clearly inform potential customers about SIM locks.

In 2015, typically only prepaid phones are sold with a SIM lock. Phones sold on contracts that charge monthly payments are usually unlocked (due to monthly payment of any network used by the phone). Also, most providers will unlock the phone on demand. Usually the fee is charged for the first two years after purchase; after that open the free key.

Honduras

In Honduras, there is a general law applicable to all consumer relationships involved in a national territory and is provided by persons who are legal, public or private. This law is called "Ley de Proteccion al Consumidor", approved by the Legislative Decree No.24-2008, and regulates the activity of every provider of goods and services stating the principles they must follow in order to operate in this country.

Article 20 of this law expresses the prohibitions that the seller must comply with when selling goods or providing services to persons. Paragraph 7 of this article states that it is prohibited for providers to "place seals, adhesives, duct tapes or analogue mechanisms, which prevent consumers from using the product for free, except for mechanisms used by manufacturers for warranty purposes".

Despite the existence of this law, local operators continue to apply SIM restrictions to phones they sell. For example, the iPhone is sold by Claro in Honduras and is locked SIM. which indicates that this general consumer protection law does not prohibit the locking of the mobile SIM

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, operators are not allowed to SIM-lock the phone only for the purpose of tying customers to their network. But Hong Kong operators can SIM-lock the phone to protect handset subsidies, to enforce mobile plan contracts or to protect from theft. After the initial purchase of the subsidy has been recovered, or the full cost of the equipment has been paid under the lease or installment agreement, the operator must provide a detailed procedure to unlock the equipment for free on request.

India

SIM locking is not common in India. Initially, each state in India has different mobile network operators and roaming across the country is very expensive. It's cheaper to change the SIM card than to pay high roaming charges. The number of interstate travelers demands the phone not to be locked. Typically, phones and SIM cards are sold separately. Mobile phone manufacturers sell mobile phones directly to customers rather than through network operators. The dual SIM phone is quite common, with the user choosing to make calls using a cheaper carrier that is suitable for calls and certain times of the Dual SIM phone without turning it off. This along with other factors, encouraged competition among network operators and lowered the cost of mobile phone calls from early INR 32 (US $ 0.75) in 1996 to INR 0 , 50 (US) Approximately $ 0.005) in 2011. Rates are still different from one service provider to other service providers and at various tariff schemes provided by the same carrier. The Indian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRAI) is an independent regulator of the telecommunications business in India, established to check call rates and resolve all communications related issues and take control of the calling rates.

Israel

Under the Regulatory Ordinance passed on 29 December 2010, Israeli operators are prohibited from locking up handsets sold by them, and are obliged to unlock handsets previously sold at no cost.

Italy

Italy has a SIM locking law that requires operators to determine the amount of subsidies, and allows customers to get the unlock code after nine months by paying half of the subsidies listed. After 18 months, the SIM lock must be removed.

Japanese

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Communications of Japan has stated that all smartphones and tablets released after 1 May 2015 by NTT DoCoMo, au by KDDI and SoftBank Mobile (three major carriers in Japan) must be sold without a SIM lock upon request from customers and at no cost to customers involved. Before that, only NTT DoCoMo and au by KDDI will remove the SIM lock after the phone is stored or used at least six months after purchase. Macedonia

Monaco

In Monaco, state-owned communications company Monaco Telecom does not sell SIM-locked phones. Because there is no competition, consumers usually buy a standard cell phone that is not locked to a particular carrier.

Montenegro

Dutch

The Dutch cellular operator has an agreement with the Dutch telecommunications regulator, OPTA, to create a code of ethics in connection with locking the SIM - in particular, unlocking fees may be charged in the first 12 months and the SIM lock can not last more than 12 months.

In a 2002 letter to the Minister of State for Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, OPTA declared that the telecommunications regulators had decided to start work on the formalization of a voluntary code of ethics into law. However, a 2006 report by the Dutch Ministry of Economy states that competition in the Dutch mobile market is sufficient and formalization of the voluntary code of conduct into legislation is not required. So there is no SIM locking law in the Netherlands.

New Zealand

Locking has occurred in New Zealand only for a limited rate before May 2008 when Vodafone New Zealand announced that it would start locking the handset and charging $ 50 to unlock them. It is estimated that locking begins due to the fact that Telecom New Zealand is building their new XT Cell Network based on UMTS technology, enabling the handset to change its network for the first time as an existing Telecom network (the only other network at that time) based on CDMA Technology. 2degrees also built their current cellular network. After pressure from the Trade Commission, Vodafone succumbed to its locking policy and will unlock all locked phones for free after they were owned for nine months. You can pay to open it before this. After the new lower cost speculation, the MNVO details of Telecom XT are leaked related to Cellular Phone Lines, which will become SIM lock handsets.

In 2015, Vodafone, 2Degrees, and Skinny all charge a $ 30 unlocking fee for phones owned for less than 9 months.

Norwegian

Mobile phones sold with subscriptions are usually SIM locked to a Norwegian operator. The cost varies depending on how long since you bought your phone. After 12 months, you can enter your own carrier key without paying for it.

Pakistan

Ufone has started SIM Locking with the release of a new smartphone called Smart U5 developed by Emitac Services, UAE. The U5 has a SIM that is locked only for Ufone. No other SIM can be used on U5.

Peru

According to OSIPTEL Telecom Regulators, Article 23 of the Terms of Use, mobile operators may sell locked phones at a lower price for 12, 18 or 24 months contracts, but must also sell unlocked devices at full price. The same article specifies that customers can request the unlock code for free after 12 months from the date of purchase, no matter whether the contract is still valid. The only exception is if the customer cancels the contract before it expires and pays the remaining fee, at which point the customer can request the device to be unlocked at any time. OSIPTEL plans to reduce the time customers have to wait to remove their sim key for up to 6 months.

Portugal

A 2006 study sponsored by the Portuguese regulator, ANACOM, on handset subsidies and SIM locking concluded that there are no particular regulatory concerns on the offer of SIM-locked subsidized equipment in exchange for signing contracts binding customers to a particular network. Network providers are allowed to implement SIM locks as they see fit, and they can voluntarily delete them if they choose to do so. In the paper, the authors state that the average key opening fee charged by Portuguese operators is 90-100 euros. The recently approved law requires network operators to unlock free devices if their contracts have expired (but they refuse to charge at least 10 euros). It also sets a cost limit that the carrier may charge to unlock the device while it is under contract.

Romanian

Romania's telecommunications regulator ANCOM signed a code of ethics with some Romanian operators stipulating that as of September 1, 2009 mobile operators selling locked handsets within their own network must notify the client if the handset is locked and provide unlocking on demand. This is a "self-regulation" by the operator to prevent regulators from actually enforcing regulations on them. If the handset is not purchased in conjunction with other electronic communications services, the cell phone carrier selling it will bear the cost of unlocking and will not bind to the unlocking of the terminal lock by purchasing another service or with other fee payments.

If the handset is purchased as part of a promotional package or at a preferential price and the customer requires a key opening before the expiry of the minimum period provided in the contract for the communications service concluded with the operator, the customer must pay both the cost opening and the penalty for the anticipated handset opening. The price charged for unlocking the handset will not exceed these operating costs and the operator is required to comply with the key opening request within 15 days.

Russian

SIM locking is not common in Russia, but they have great potential to sell unlocked phones. Most phones sold in Russia do not have a wide bundling, customization, and operator-specific bloatware. Direct-branded phones are always locked to their network operators.

Serbian

In telecom contracts, there is often a practice to lock sim card usage from one carrier with a phone obtained through the same mobile carrier. Blocking unlocked phones may be illegal if the consumer is entitled to it.

Singapore

Singapore is the first country to directly prohibit SIM lock and contract/bundling of the phone. The Singapore telecommunications regulator has ruled that a competition clause in the cellular operator's license means no SIM locking is allowed, and has alerted at least one operator to sell SIM-locked phones.

Spanish

In 1998, the Spanish telecommunications regulator, ComisiÃƒÆ'Ã‚Â³n del Mercado de las Telecomunicaciones, noticed that Spanish mobile operators had voluntarily set up voluntary opening codes for the first 12 months and free after 12 months, so the CMT decided not to put any legal framework in Spain. CMT has not reviewed this decision since then, therefore there is no SIM locking law in Spain.

Swedish

In Sweden, the operator is required to unlock the handset after 12 months of purchase. This applies both to on-contract and pay as you use your phone. All operators will charge a fee of 300 SEK (about $ 45) or 350 SEK (about $ 50), depending on the operator, to unlock the handset. However, by 2016, most carriers have stopped locking the phone altogether.

Switzerland

SIM locking may be very common there. Swisscom has started to raise the SIM lock since July 2013. Sunrise prepaid phones have a SIM lock for 2 years from the purchase.

Thai

Thailand is also another country that prohibits the locking of direct SIM and as a result, no phones are sold in subsidized markets by operators. Until recently mobile phone manufacturers have their own store front and mobile service provider only provider.

Turkish

SIM locking is not common in Turkey, but it can be considered as one of the larger markets for unlocked phones. Leading national network provider, TÃƒÆ'Ã‚Â¼rkcell as well as their closest rival, TÃƒÆ'Ã‚Â¼rk Telekom has never subsidized a cell phone.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, mobile phone network providers are not obligated to provide the key, even after the end of the contract. Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator, allowed 3 UK to sell phones with a permanently disabled SIM card to the phone. Most carriers offer some form of key-opening service, depending on the state of the contract and the mobile phone model, but usually at a cost. The complete Dedel SIM-lock 2002 position paper specifies that there is no SIM locking law in the UK; regulators simply want "consumer awareness". Examples in position paper are only "examples" of current operator practices for illustrative purposes, but do not reflect Oftel's official regulations. The major networks often agree to unlock the handset for a fee, either at the end of the contract or, for prepaid handsets, after a few months. Some Blackberry handsets provided by Vodafone (eg, Storm) are examples of British operators that do not offer unlock codes. Starting April 2011 O ₂ will unlock any of their monthly pay phones for free, even if they are still under contract, with the exception of handset made specifically for them, like their Palm device. Carphone Warehouse, one of the largest phone retailers in the UK, offers unlocked phones with most PAYG offerings. Starting January 1, 2014, all phones sold by 3 UK are unlocked. Phones purchased before this date will be open for free.

United States

One of the two American GSM operators, T-Mobile, will unlock the handset for those with active accounts with a good reputation for at least 40 days and no opening code requests in the last 90 days. Other, AT & amp; T Mobility, required to do so on request (with some exceptions and terms) after ninety days of active service under the terms of completion of a class action. Prior to completion, AT & T will usually do so once someone has completed his contract, and in some other situations. AT & amp; T in the past claimed that it would not unlock the iPhone under any circumstances, regardless of the legality of doing so, even after the customer quit the contract. However, AT & amp; T since announcing that starting April 8, 2012, will begin to open an iPhone with no contract, provided that the customer's account is in good condition. AT & amp; T also has an iPhones unlock policy for US service members deployed overseas - though they are still under contract.

Before operators began voluntarily providing unlock codes for all mobile phone models, in 2010, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) succeeded in convincing the United States Copyright Office to allow exceptions to the general prohibition on circumventing the copyright protection system under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 to unlock the phone via the user's self-help (sometimes referred to as "hacking"). This exception becomes less important now as most operators voluntarily provide unlock codes.

According to a decree applicable on October 28, 2012, it is illegal to unlock mobile phones purchased 90 days after this date or later without operator permission. In other words, users can already unlock phones they already own, and phones purchased before January 29, 2013, but phones purchased after this point can only be unlocked with operator permission.

In March 2013, the Obama administration and the Federal Communications Commission said that consumers should also be able to switch carriers and keep their actual phones.

On August 1, 2014, President Obama signed a law on Unlocking Consumer Choice and the Wireless Competition Act (S. 517; 113th Congress), a bill that legalizes unlocking mobile phones in the US. The bill was passed in the United States Senate on July 15, 2014, and in the United States House of Representatives on July 25, 2014.

Sprint agreed to allow the opening of domestic keys on all mobile devices launched after February 15, 2015.

You can buy unlocked phones in the U.S. Some online retailers sell unlocked phones from manufacturers, that is, they are never locked in the first place.

Unlock IPhone 5S,5C,5,4S,4 Iphone Simlock Remover NEW 2015 - YouTube