SIM-Lock

The SIM lock, also network code netcode (both not to be confused with network code as "network code" to German as: network program code) called and restriction code (Nokia), is a term from the range of mobile phones and describes the Restriction of usability of the mobile phone SIM cards that meet certain criteria. At present, mobile phones can be locked so that they only accept SIM cards certain countries, service providers, networks or SIM types.

Use

Was to be a meeting ( a ) SIM -Lock in Germany almost exclusively in prepaid packages, temporarily activated Telekom Germany with many devices also contract the Netlock ( lock for telecom D network, see below). In Austria, the SIM lock in contract mobile phones is always enabled. Occasionally, however, it may happen that devices - because they are coming on the market soon as externally purchased or - for lack of time without any blocking are. However, this is becoming less common for the past few years.

Types of SIM Locks

• Barrier for countries: It ensures that the phone can only be used with SIM cards that come from a particular country or group of countries ( ITU E.212 country code ).
• Lock for networks, also called Netlock, causes the restriction of the mobile phone on the use of certain mobile networks. This species is now most common in Germany. Telekom Germany, O2 (only for prepaid cell phones ) and Tchibo use the Netlock; meanwhile the provider Vodafone, the total SIM card lock used previously (see below) has changed.
• The total SIM card lock (full SIM card lock): This produces the second largest constraint and is the most unusual in Germany variant. It means that the respective mobile phone can be used only with certain SIM cards. The phone is bound by the configured in the device SIM -Lock to the activation and operation with the supplied SIM card, which usually operate SIM cards that come from the same batch.
• The ID SIM card lock is the latest and most rigorous type of Simlock. It accepts only phones that can show the user of mobile phones by a camera. In addition, the phone is tracked by GPS every hour and is therefore to be used only in certain regions or environments.

Background is to prevent from the service providers ( service providers ) or the network operators themselves subsidized mobile phones or smart phones can be used before the notional amortization of the grant with other tariffs of the same service provider, or even with cards of other service provider or network operator. The payback is given depending on the package or service provider at the earliest after 12 or 24 months ( or invoice runs).

By SIM Lock creates a bond the device to exactly one service provider and not, as in Netlock to any service provider the same network operator. Contract card of another provider of the same network operator are not usable for locked devices.

Laws for the SIM Lock

Many countries have laws that prohibit SIM lock, for example, Finland. In other countries, such as Hungary, the SIM Lock Standard and unlock the phones is prohibited. In most countries the legal regulations are in between - they allow the lock, but only for the duration of the current contract of the customer.

In Austria, the unlocking of mobile phones is allowed in principle, since the unit goes with buying the property of its owner, which thus has clear control over the device. In Austria, a dispute between T -Mobile and YESSS! performed because YESSS! Had Links to free Entsperrdiensten. The dispute was in favor of YESSS! decided.

In the U.S., a law was passed in October 2012, which provides the unlocking a SIM Locks punishable. It stipulates that all equipment purchased until 90 days after the entry into force of the Act, must be unlocked unpunished. This applied to January 26, 2013, purchased after this date equipment to unlock falls under punishment. The penalty can be up to $ 500,000 and / or 5 years imprisonment.