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Carphone - Locked or not
Comments
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There is a code which will can be used to set a handset so that only that particular SIM card can be used in it. Not 'any SIM on that network', but 'that particular SIM'.Sim (network) locks are put on as part of the manufacturing process. Once in the shop, it's either locked or not - the sales people don't lock them.
Stop talking irrelevent rubbish.
Once that has been done, a separate PIN is needed to undo that setting.0 -
Yes, the handset IMEI and the SIM serial number and telephone number are fed back to the network, as is the amount of credit purchased.What I do not have the information about is whether or not when a sales guy feeds the IMEI number, sim number etc into the CPW system anything filters back to the network in question.
Now I do know that networks can bar handsets (eg if one is stolen) and they will have information from usage as to whether or not that subsidised handset is being used on their network. Could the network then put a lock on that handset after, say, a couple of weeks if it is not appearing on their system? Maybe, if they can, Virgin are particularly hot on that, I just don't know.
This is where my lack of inside knowledge lets me down
If someone is already on pay-as-you-go on a particular network, some retailers offer an 'upgrade' where the customer's SIM serial number and phone number are checked for eligibility (no new handset sold against that handset in the last x months) and a new handset sold against those details for use with the existing SIM.0 -
Sim (network) locks are put on as part of the manufacturing process. Once in the shop, it's either locked or not - the sales people don't lock them.
Stop talking irrelevent rubbish.
Well said.There is a code which will can be used to set a handset so that only that particular SIM card can be used in it. Not 'any SIM on that network', but 'that particular SIM'.
Once that has been done, a separate PIN is needed to undo that setting.
You are still talking rubbish, that's a user set code on some phones and got sod all to with networks or shops, it's in the security setting menu and locked via the phone security code.
show me I'm wrong with a link to a manufacturer that has a retailer set sim lock, please, I've only worked in the phone industry since the mid 90's and I can't think of what you are describing ever been done in the way you are making out.
The closest was Three who epoxy glued SIM cards into some phones around 2003-2004, but even that was done at the factory.====0 -
Just because you have been 'in the industry' for years doesn't mean you know anything about this. I have been there when it has been done and seen it first hand.0
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Go look it up yourself.
I don't like your attitude.0 -
As I have always understood and experienced is that the pay as you go ones are usually cheaper than the sim free ones however they are subject to topping up by a minimum amount so if you are using your own sim then you have a simcard on with credit on thats not much use to you. Phones have always been unlocked though
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Carphone Warehouse's business model used to be that they bought unlocked handsets in bulk from manufacturers and just matched SIM cards to sealed boxes at the point of sale, It made sense. It saved them keeping stock for each network. If they've now started locking phones to networks it would be a huge change of direction.
I'd certainly be interested to hear of any retailer that locked customer's phone rather than sold phone pre-locked by networks.0 -
From CPW's website todayOur phones are unlocked!
Most of the phones we sell aren't locked to a network, including almost all of our SIM free phones. That means you can put any UK SIM card into your phone and enjoy the benefits of whichever UK network you prefer.
Exceptions
iPhone is unlocked when you buy it SIM free but Apple's software means it locks to the first network you use it with. To find out about a particular model or using your phone abroad, ask in store or give us a call on 0870 087 08700 -
Boring. Already done - see post 15.From CPW's website today0
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