GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network providers, such as AT&T/Cingular and T-Mobile, give you Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards to connect your phone to their network. These microchips go inside your phone and retain complete information about the subscriber, including the phone number, rate plan and contact information. Most of the GSM companies lock their phones so that SIM cards from competitors cannot be used with them. If you want to use the phone with a different SIM card, you need to remove the SIM lock from the phone. According to Unlocking.com, cell phone unlocking is legal so long as you own the handset, and also should not compromise your warranty.
Instructions
1. Switch on the phone and type "*#06#". This will show you your phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Note down this number.
2. Contact the customer service department of your cellular service provider and tell the company rep that you want to unlock your cell phone. Tell them the exact model number of the phone and its IMEI number. Your cellular service provider will then assess your application and decide whether you qualify to receive the unlocking code or not. Different service providers have different policies regarding phone-unlocking.
3. If your carrier is unwilling to provide you with the unlocking code, you can purchase it from a third party, such as GSM liberty, Cell Corner or Unlock All Cellular (see Resources). You will have to provide the site with the name of your network provider and the phone's IMEI number. The site can then email you the unlock code. The fee for this service varies for different handsets and carriers.
4. Enter the code provided by your phone company or website into the phone, carefully following any instructions you received from your carrier or third-party source.
Tags: your phone, IMEI number, cell phone, cellular service, cellular service provider, phone IMEI