Can you permanently unlock your cellular phone by yourself and is it legit to do so?
So you've eventually reached the end of your cell phone contract, you've finished paying for your higher-end mobile phone and you really are all set to search for a cheaper Pay-As-You-Go deal. There is just one snag. Your cell phone is locked to your current network carrier and unless you can solve that, you are not going to be able to locate a more competitive deal offered by other network carriers. So, how do you get your smartphone IMEI unlocked and get your pick of the SIM only deals? Luckily, it's essentially pretty simple.

Am I permitted to network unlock a smart phone?
There's nothing illegal about unlocking your mobile. It's your phone and you are obviously within your legal rights to use it with any network you want. Nevertheless, there is a good chance network unlocking your cell phone is going to void your warranty, so it might well be best to wait until you have completed your contractual obligations before you choose to ditch your existing provider.

What alternatives are available if my provider refuses to unlock my device?
You can be certain your mobile actually needs SIM unlocking by entering a Sim from a different network provider into your mobile device. When it is locked, a message will show on the home screenadvising you of this. The most straightforward way to IMEI unlock your mobile phone is to contact your carrier and request a Network Unlock Code (NUC). A large number of them will deliver you one and some may even do it at zero cost once you have finished your contract. As soon as you're supplied with this code you should be capable of enter it into your cellphone to get rid of the lock. This is the fastest and most reliable method of network unlocking.

How much does it actually cost me to unlock a smart phone?
Some networks won't chargeyou for unlocking help while others could charge as much as $40. It is also worth taking into consideration that each carriers has unique guidelines related to how long you might have had your monthly or P.A.Y.G. plan for and how to get your code. Most networks have on-line forms, but a number of will require you to phone their helplines. Just how long it can take to unlock your cell phone again ranges greatly between each network. In the UK, Three for example, will unlock an iPhone in a week, while Virgin Mobile declare it can easily take up to 20 calendar days to unlock network locked handsets.

Who's the most reliable and fastest third party unlocking service provider on the web?
If you're uncertain where to go, I highly recommend Unlock.Zone. I've used them personally and was very happy with the service I received, and ultimately that they successfully unlocked my cell phone. They supply unlocks for all major brands and carriers, give a guaranteed price match promise, and even more importantly, offer a no questions asked refund policy in the unlikely event they can't unlock your mobile.

Here's a link to their home page: Phone Unlock