You can readily detect that any Cell Phone is locked (to a particular Network Service Provider) when it becomes impossible to use a different SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from another Network Carrier or Service Provider on the same Cell Phone.
There is a restriction code or barring password which disallows any SIM card from any other Network to operate or function on that Cell Phone to which it was locked. Simply stated, only a SIM card from a particular Network that sold the Cell Phone to you (or any individual) is configured for use with it.
Cell Phones are locked by the Service Providers or different Network Companies to discourage subscribers from changing Networks (SIM cards) at will.
In most cases of any Cell Phone discovered locked, such handsets are sold as pre-paid or post paid package to an individual at a discounted price- this simply means that the total cost for the Cell Phone and SIM card and Call Tariff/Network access have been reduced or subsidized.
This discount given on the post paid or pre-paid Cell Phone package is a marketing incentive adopted by Network Service Providers and GSM Telecommunication companies to enable would-be handsets owners and users patronize their services.
Deductions are made on an instalmental basis to offset the cost of the handset, calls and other additional benefits enjoyed by subscribers who have registered with any particular Network provider.
As a result of the discount or subsidy allowed and enjoyed, Network Carriers or Service Provider Companies program a restriction code or barring password into the Cell Phone which disallows any SIM card from any other Network to work/function/operate.
There is a restriction code or barring password which disallows any SIM card from any other Network to operate or function on that Cell Phone to which it was locked. Simply stated, only a SIM card from a particular Network that sold the Cell Phone to you (or any individual) is configured for use with it.
Cell Phones are locked by the Service Providers or different Network Companies to discourage subscribers from changing Networks (SIM cards) at will.
In most cases of any Cell Phone discovered locked, such handsets are sold as pre-paid or post paid package to an individual at a discounted price- this simply means that the total cost for the Cell Phone and SIM card and Call Tariff/Network access have been reduced or subsidized.
This discount given on the post paid or pre-paid Cell Phone package is a marketing incentive adopted by Network Service Providers and GSM Telecommunication companies to enable would-be handsets owners and users patronize their services.
Deductions are made on an instalmental basis to offset the cost of the handset, calls and other additional benefits enjoyed by subscribers who have registered with any particular Network provider.
As a result of the discount or subsidy allowed and enjoyed, Network Carriers or Service Provider Companies program a restriction code or barring password into the Cell Phone which disallows any SIM card from any other Network to work/function/operate.
Any attempt made at using any other SIM card from a different Network will be refused in the Cell Phone and an error message will be displayed for you to see.
This development and security has helped the Network Service Providers to maintain law, order and balance among subscribers the world over, and the additional benefit of staying in business all year round.
Such restrictions are lifted or removed only when;
1. You request for your Cell Phone to be unlocked
2. The pre-paid or post-paid contract plan time has fully elapsed
3. You pay the unlocking fee/ charge
