What Is Unlocking?

When you purchase a phone, you are often given a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from a network operator. Though you can purchase the handset alone, most phones sold are either on pay as you go or contract, hence a SIM card is always included. This contains a serial number that identifies you to the network provider, so that when your number is dialed, calls can be directed to your handset. As your number is tied to the SIM card rather than the handset itself, you should be able to use any SIM card in any phone.

However, many operators offer these handsets at a cut price to encourage you to sign up to their network. This means that in order to recoup their costs, they have to ensure that you use their service for an extended period of time. Contracts are a perfect example, with most requiring you to use a particular service for at least 12 months. However, pay as you go is different, and theoretically you could change networks as soon as you purchase the phone. Although the subsidy on pay as you go phones is much lower, service providers still want to keep you as a paying customer.

The way that network operators attempt to do this is by locking your handset to a specific SIM card or network. Should you attempt to use a different SIM card from another network in your phone, you will be presented with an error, such as 'SIM Card Not Accepted'. Fortunately, it is possible to remove these SIM card restrictions via a process called unlocking. This will enable you to use any SIM card on any network in your handset, cutting all ties to your initial network provider.

There are several ways in which phones can be unlocked, and the method required will depend on the manufacturer and handset in question.

The easiest way in which a phone can be unlocked is using a software generated code which will instantly remove all restrictions. This code can be generated using your handsets IMEI number, and once keyed into your handset, will remove any existing restrictions. Aside from being the easiest way to unlock a phone, it is also invariably the cheapest way, as it requires no additional cables or software.

Other handsets require their firmware to be updated or overwritten. In these cases, additional unlocking software and data cables are required. Often, the necessary data cable is included with the handset, though you will require a license to use the appropriate unlocking software.

The benefits of unlocking your handset are numerous. Not only will you benefit from being able to use any SIM card on any network in your phone, but you will also be able to take advantage of roaming services offered by most major networks. Unlocking your handset may also enable dual, tri or even quad band functionality, allowing you to use your phone in even more countries around the globe.

Perhaps the most common concern about phone unlocking is the legal aspect. As long as you own your handset, unlocking it is perfectly legal. The very fact that mobile phone manufacturers are required to supply unlocking information should be enough to convince you. So long as your handset does not remain property of your service provider (if you are on a contract, for instance), you are free to do as you wish with your phone.