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Frequently Asked Questions
Information about mobile cell phone unlocking, which involves removing the SIM card restriction that comes built into most cell phones with unlock codes. This FAQ covers detailed information about Nokia phone unlocking, Motorola phone unlocking, Samsung phone unlocking, a phone's IMEI number, GSM service, SIM cards, and SIM restriction removal.
- What is unlocking?
Phone unlocking allows you to use your phone on any service--just by switching SIM cards--instead of being restricted to only the service it was purchased from. This is helpful when you plan to switch cell phone service carriers, for example from T-Mobile to AT&T or Cingular, or for a number of other reasons.
- What phones can be unlocked?
Unlocking only applies to GSM phones. GSM is a leading cell phone service signal standard used throughout the world. GSM phones use SIM cards, a small data chip inserted in the back of the phone, to store user account information. Most phones are programmed to only accept the SIM card of the network the phone was originally purchased from. The unlocking process removes this restriction so the phone will accept and work normally with a SIM from any network. Common U.S. GSM services include T-Mobile, AT&T, Cingular, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Suncom, Cellular One, Centennial Wireless, and others.
At present, Unlock Horizon is unlocking Nokia phones. More models and phone brands will be added in the near future.
- What is involved in the unlocking process?
There are two types of unlocking available for your mobile phone. One is called Remote Unlocking. This is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to unlock your phone so it is the preferred method. All you have to do is provide your phone's unique IMEI number (see What is an IMEI number? and How do I find my phone's IMEI number?), along with the service carrier the phone was originally purchased from and the phone's model number.
From there you will be given a quick instructional email along with the SIM unlocking codes specific to your phone. Follow the easy instructions in the email by pressing a few buttons on the phone and your phone will be unlocked in minutes!
The other type of unlocking requires your phone to be mailed to the Unlock Horizon. The phone is then hooked up to a computer or special unlocking hardware, unlocked, then mailed back to you. This mailing process is used for certain models or for phones who have already had their 3-5 unlock code entry attempts used up.
- How can I tell if my phone is locked?
A locked phone will display an error message when a different network's SIM card is inserted. Also, if your phone was purchased from any of the following networks, odds are very good it is locked:
T-Mobile - Locked
AT&T - Locked
Cingular - Locked
Cincinnati Bell Wireless - Locked
Suncom - Locked
Cellular One - Locked
Centennial Wireless - Locked
and others
- What is an IMEI number?
A GSM phone's 15 digit unique IMEI number is used to identify the GSM phone to a GSM network. Parts of the IMEI number include the manufacturer of the phone, country information and the phone's serial number among other things. You can find your phone's IMEI number by typing in *#06# or by looking under the phone's battery for the only number exactly 15 digits long.
- How do I find my phone's IMEI number?
Simply type *#06# into your phone's keypad once it has started up normally. This will display the phone's 15 digit IMEI number on the screen. Alternately, look under the phone's battery for the only number exactly 15 digits long (it will not include any letters--only numbers).
- Is unlocking legal?
Yes! Unlocking is a completely legal process, but is not advertised by the networks / carriers. Cell phone service providers want to keep your business. If your expensive phone can only be used on their service, you are less likely to switch to a competing company.
When pressed, some networks / carriers may offer to unlock your phone, but for a hefty fee. Most will not offer to do so.
- Is unlocking permanent?
Yes! unlocking is a permanent fix to remove the SIM card restriction for your phone. Turning off your phone, switching mobile networks, services, or carriers, SIM cards, or any other action will not change this! Furthermore, no damage can be done to your phone as a result of unlocking.
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