What does sim lock mean. Em sim me lock what is this. What is SIM Lock
Story
In 1G networks, the identification of a subscriber in the network was carried out by the factory number of a cell phone - ESN (Electronic Serial Number). Thus, both the cell phone and the subscriber were identified by a single code. This approach gave rise to a complete dependence of the subscriber's number and the package of services provided to him on a specific phone instance. Having changed the cell phone (including cases of breakdown and theft of the phone), the subscriber was forced to contact the operator's office in order for the phone to be reprogrammed and its serial number entered into the operator's database, which some operators did for a fee.
It is obvious that the identification of the subscriber, independent of the phone, is more convenient. In the GSM standard, it was proposed to separate the identification of the subscriber (using a SIM card) and equipment [IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) is used for this].
Standards
The GSM SIM card is a variation of the regular ISO 7816 smart card. The standard for the specific features of a GSM SIM card is established by GSM 11.11, GSM 11.14 and GSM 11.19 documents. Modern cards have the ability to execute applications on the card, and therefore support JavaCard functionality.
Functions and characteristics
The main function of a SIM card is to store account identification information, which allows the subscriber to easily and quickly change cell phones without changing his account, but simply by moving his SIM card to another phone. To do this, the SIM card includes a microprocessor with software and data with card identification keys (IMSI, etc.), written to the card at the stage of its production, used at the stage of identification of the card (and subscriber) by the GSM network.
The SIM card can also store additional information, such as the subscriber's phone book, lists of incoming/outgoing telephone numbers, text of SMS messages. In modern phones, especially smartphones, this data is not written to the SIM card, but is stored in the phone's memory, since the SIM card imposes quite strict restrictions on the format and amount of data stored on it.
The SIM card contains a memory chip that supports encryption. There are cards of different standards, with different memory sizes and different functionality. There are cards on which additional applications (applets) are installed during production, such as the SIM menu, telebank clients, etc.
The subscriber's telephone number (MSISDN) is not explicitly stored on the card itself, it is assigned by the operator's network equipment when registering a SIM card in the network based on its IMSI. According to the standard, when registering one SIM-card in the network, the operator can assign several telephone numbers to it. However, this possibility requires appropriate support by the operator's infrastructure (and corresponding costs on his part), therefore, it is most often not used.
If the SIM card is lost, the subscriber must notify the operator, the lost card is blocked, and the subscriber is issued a new card (for a fee or free of charge, depending on the conditions of the operator). The phone number, balance and all connected services remain unchanged, but all subscriber data stored on the SIM card cannot be restored.
The SIM card is installed in the cell phone's SIM holder, which in modern cell phones is usually located under the battery. The location of the SIM holder under the battery does not allow inserting/removing the SIM card when the phone is powered on, as this may damage the card.
SIM card sizes
- Full size SIM card (86x54x0.84 mm) - an outdated standard used in the first cell phones (the size of a credit card);
- Mini-SIM card (25x15x0.76 mm) - widely used now in GSM phones and in most 3G phones;
- Micro-SIM card (15×12x0.76 mm) - used in new models with 3G (Apple iPad and iPhone 4, Nokia N9, all Nokia Lumia models, LG U880, Samsung Galaxy S III and some others)
- Nano-SIM card - There are 3 versions of Nano-SIM:
- (12x9mm) Developed by en:Giesecke & Devrient with input from Apple . The thickness is reduced by about 15% compared to others. Backwards compatibility is carried out by means of the adapter.
- (10x8) Nokia's Nano-SIM variant, which is something similar to an SD card. The advantage is that the card does not require a special tray, and therefore there is more space in the device itself, which can be used, for example, to increase the size of the battery. Unfortunately, this card can only be used in new devices with a special output.
- (11x9) Nano-SIM offered by RIM. Similar to Nokia's Nano-SIM, differing only in size.
Standardization of the Nano SIM format should be completed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) before the end of 2011, and the first phones with the appropriate connectors should appear on sale in 2012. - 8.8 mm, and thickness - 0.67 mm. The official nano-SIM standard will be fully compatible with previous versions. Essentially, the new SIM card is the same as the micro-sim, only with the plastic edges removed. When making a decision, the experts considered that Apple's proposal was the most convenient and simple.
- Virtual SIM - patent pending by Apple.
SIM-cards are usually issued in the form of full-size cards, allowing them to be used in phones of the old standard. For use in modern phones, it is provided that the Mini/Micro-SIM module can be removed once ("broken") from a full-size card.
Micro SIM
Micro SIM- an updated and miniature alternative to the SIM card for identifying subscribers on mobile devices. The physical size of the card is 12 x 15 mm. Micro-SIM is smaller than the mini-SIM used in mobile devices, but the contact plate and exchange interface are usually identical. Therefore, in most cases, you can get a micro-SIM from a mini-SIM by cutting the plastic case.
Multisim cards
Multisim cards ( "MultiSim") - devices in the form of a regular SIM card (GSM standard) and consisting of a microprocessor (PIC-processor PIC16F877) and an additional memory module (24C64 - 24C256). The microprocessor operates under the control of a special firmware (SIM-EMU 6.01), which also performs the functions of a conventional SIM card. This concept makes it possible to write to the MultiSim card the data you need from several SIM cards at once and use the number that is most convenient at the moment. You can select the desired number in a special menu (using technology SIM Tool Kit) or when entering the PIN code of the desired number .
PIN code
When a SIM card is issued, it is assigned a four-digit PIN code, which is recorded on the card and also transmitted to the subscriber along with the card. The PIN code is requested by the phone each time it is turned on in order to access the data on the SIM card. Usually, the SIM card allows you to disable the PIN code check when you turn on your phone. After that, all functions of the SIM card become available immediately after switching on and booting the phone.
If the PIN code is entered incorrectly three times in a row, the card is blocked and can only be unblocked by entering a personal unblocking code PUK1, which is also transmitted to the subscriber along with the card. If the PUK code cannot be entered correctly after ten attempts, then the SIM card is completely blocked and must be replaced.
If the SIM card is not installed in the phone, or if the correct PIN is not entered, then the phone cannot make any calls on the cellular network, except for emergency calls (number 112 or 911). All other functions of most phones are usually blocked (this does not apply to smartphones and communicators).
ICCID
ICCID- (English) Integrated Circuit Card ID). Usually this code is printed on the SIM card. The ICCID is defined in accordance with the ITU-T E.118 standard. According to this standard, the length of the ICCID is 19 digits:
- 2 digits - Major Industry Identifier(industry identifier, according to ISO/IEC 7812-1), for SIM cards always 89 ;
- 1-3 digits - telephone country code (according to E.164), 7 For Russia, 380 for Ukraine, etc.;
- 2-4 digits - the issuer's code (the total length of this and the previous fields cannot exceed 5 digits.);
- 11 digits - determined by the operator during the production of the card according to internal rules;
- 1 digit (last) - check digit calculated by the Luhn algorithm.
The first 7 digits of the ICC ID are collectively called the Issuer Identification Number, and are issued by the ITU to every carrier that plans to issue SIM cards.
SIM Tool Kit
Modern SIM cards may have carrier-provided applications pre-installed. To use apps on the SIM card, your phone must support the SIM Tool Kit (STK) standard. Applications on a SIM card using STK can use various functions of a cell phone, including a user interface, a communication module, etc., which allows a fairly wide range of functionality to be implemented. STK applications are under the full control of the operator and are considered the most secure, as they can use the encryption module built into the card, which makes them extremely attractive for the implementation of financial services such as telebanking or payment authentication. There is also the option of downloading and updating these applications by the operator directly using the cellular network. The disadvantage of such applications is that their use requires issuing a card that supports the SIM Tool Kit with sufficient memory and transferring it to the subscriber, which is quite difficult from an organizational point of view.
Often STK is used to implement the SIM-menu service available for most Russian operators. To interact with the operator, this application uses SMS, USSD, or CB messages hidden from the subscriber.
Notes
see also
- A key
- terminal account
- MultiSIM
Links
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A special case of Sim-Lock can be SP lock (Service Provider Lock) - mobile operator code, which allows this phone to work only with SIM cards of this operator. SP lock is performed by linking the device to the MCC and MNC values (Mobile Country Code / country code and Mobile Network Code / operator code) on the SIM card. When turned on, the phone checks the correspondence of these codes on the SIM card with what is stored in its memory, and as a result either continues the normal process of turning on, or refuses to work, showing on the display that “SIM card is not suitable”, “Sim card not valid " etc.
Blocking allows a company providing mobile communications services to avoid using mobile phones purchased from it in the networks of other operators; often, locked phones are sold at significant discounts, with the difference in the cost of the phone covered by the telecom operator, which hopes to recoup its costs from the future costs of the subscriber who purchases the locked terminal.
The lock can also be set by the manufacturer, who usually sell locked mobile phones. As a rule, companies that sell locked mobile devices also offer the possibility of unlocking them for a fee or after the expiration of the contract (for example, the contract between the client and the mobile operator.)
You can unlock the phone by entering a special unlocking code - a certain digital sequence, which, after the expiration of the contract, the telecom operator informs the client. This code can be a function of the phone's IMEI (and thus can be calculated) or hardwired into the phone's flash chip (and then it can only be recognized through the manufacturer's internal database).
In most cases, it is possible to remove Sim-Lock (unlocking a mobile phone) without the participation of a mobile operator, and in some cases, on the contrary, also blocking for an operator, using software and hardware products in service centers or mobile phone repair shops, as well as others ways.
On your own, without the participation of an operator, the unlock code can be calculated for some phone series with a special calculator (for example, for Siemens C/M/S35 phones and the entire Nokia DCT-4 and BB5 series). However, manufacturers prefer to keep databases of these codes, access to which only service centers have.
Another unlocking method is the so-called partial flashing. At the same time, the check for blocking is bypassed in the firmware of the mobile phone. However, in more or less new models, the checksum of the firmware is built in, and if it is found to be inconsistent, the phone stops working.
The most correct method of unlocking can be considered to be writing “clean” blocks to the EEPROM of a mobile phone with missing information about SP-lock. The procedure for changing the EEPROM is quite complicated and differs from model to model.
In many modern models of mobile phones, when unlocking, it requires the use of test points on the mobile phone board.
The question of the legality of removing the code
As for the CIS countries, there is not a single specific law or act prohibiting the removal of operator blocking from cell phones.
Notes
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See what "SIM lock" is in other dictionaries:
Sim Lock
Sim lock- ist ein Begriff aus dem Mobilfunkbereich und beschreibt die Einschränkung der Nutzbarkeit des Mobilfunkgerätes auf SIM Karten, die bestimmte Kriterien erfüllen. Zur Zeit können Mobiltelefone so gesperrt werden, dass sie nur SIM Karten von… … Deutsch Wikipedia
SIM lock
SIM lock- das; s, s aus gleichbed. engl. SIM lock zu SIM, vgl. SIM card u. lock »Schloss«, dies aus aengl. locc Sperre des Handys, die verhindert, dass das betreffende Mobiltelefon mit einer anderen SIM Karte funktioniert als der eigenen … Das große Fremdwörterbuch
SIM lock- A SIM lock, simlock, network lock or subsidy lock is a capability built into GSM phones by mobile phone manufacturers. Network providers use this capability to restrict the use of these phones to specific countries and network providers.… … Wikipedia
SIM lock- Der SIM Lock, auch Netzcode, Netcode
SIM lock- ● en n. m. COMM Verrou à la carte SIM. Voir simlockage … Dictionnaire d "informatique francophone
Determining the presence of a SIM lock- SIM lock software restriction for the operation of a mobile phone within a certain country, network (including under a certain virtual operator), or with a certain type of SIM cards. Contents 1 Reasons for blocking phones 2 ... ... Wikipedia
Removing SIM lock- ... Wikipedia
Sim Carte- SIM Karten Die SIM Karte (Subscriber Identity Module) ist eine Chipkarte, die in ein Mobiltelefon eingesteckt wird und zur Identifikation des Nutzers im Netz dient. Mit ihr stellen Mobilfunkanbieter Teilnehmern mobile Telefonanschlüsse und… … Deutsch Wikipedia
SIM-lock, SP-lock, "encoding": all these words mean one thing: the phone has a software restriction on the operation of a mobile phone in only one network. This is done so that a person who bought a phone from a certain operator would not be able to switch to another GSM network. Such phones are usually sold by the operator for 10-20 percent of their real cost, and the operator pays the rest. The meaning of such promotions is simple: a phone with a SIM-lock will always work in only one network and sooner or later will pay back the operator that part of the money that he paid for it. In some European countries, a subscriber in a year (two) can remove LOCK at a service center or store, since the phone has already paid off its cost. SIM-lock is removed by typing a code from the keyboard, usually 8-15 digits. Installs SIM-lock on phones by the manufacturer or its representatives. The operator orders a large batch of phones from the manufacturer (for example, NOKIA), and the manufacturer, together with the phones, supplies the codes for removing the SIM-lock. The physical meaning of SIM-lock is as follows: the SIM-card stores the MCC/NCC unique code of the country and operator. For example, WellCOM operator has MCC-255, NCC-02. The phone checks these codes when it is turned on. If the codes match, the phone works normally, if not, the message "SIM is not suitable or erroneous" appears on the screen, or the phone asks for a code to remove the SIM-lock. In addition, there are other ways to encode the phone, but this is the most common.
* * * * *How SIM-LOCK is removed.
The first way to remove SIM-lock is official, it is described above. SIM-lock can also be removed in a handicraft way. Information about SIM-lock is stored in the phone's memory. Knowing exactly where it is sewn up, it is possible to remove it. A special cable is connected to the phone. And through this cable, the program gives a command to remove the SIM-lock. In some phones, you need to solder the memory chip. Read it with a programmer, find the firmware section responsible for SIM-lock and correct it correctly. In older MOTOROLA models, SIM-lock can be removed with a special SIM-card or a card emulator called CLONE CARD. These procedures are usually done at the amateur level. All you need to have is a set of cables, a programmer and the most scarce - programs. Since phone manufacturers are constantly releasing new models with ever higher levels of protection, programs must be constantly updated. Such programs are usually written by talented programmers. * * * * *
How legal and ethical is that?
The legality of the procedure for removing SIM-lock depends on the legislation of the country. Having received legal advice, I found out that in Ukraine there is no law directly prohibiting this. However, this procedure can be brought under the article "On penetration into computer and information technologies." On the other hand, the person who bought the phone has the right to do whatever he wants with it. For example, if you bought a PAL system TV that does not support the CIS color standard, no one will judge you if you insert a color decoder inside. You also have the right to change it however you like. The only thing you lose is a warranty for repairs at a service center. Thus, if a precedent arises, then everything will be determined by the level of lawyers and lawyers. This is when it comes to decoding the phone. Quite another matter is the illegal import of phones from the West, tax evasion. This is exactly what representatives of phone manufacturers in Ukraine and other CIS countries are trying to fight against. According to some estimates, about 70% of all GSM terminals are imported illegally. Legal delivery is carried out only through the phone manufacturer or its representatives. Naturally, a German, Polish or other operator remains at a loss if a new phone bought for 10% of the cost is taken from the operator's network to another network in another country, hacked and used there. * * * * *
How well the phone works after removing the SIM-lock.
As mentioned above, SIM-lock is a software product. Usually, the correct removal of SIM-lock has no consequences. And the phone works fine. However, in some cases, programs for removing SIM-lock are written in haste and do not work correctly. Either the person who wrote the program did not know the nuances (secrets) of the manufacturer. Then the phone may have incorrect menu items and problems with some functions. One thing can be said for sure - after removing the lock, the phone will not deteriorate over time. That is, as the phone works immediately after unlocking (with or without such problems), so it will work. Examples of software failures after decoding are as follows: Siemens C25 - device protection functions do not work (phone code, PIN code request); Sagem MC922 - the time of the last call is not fixed, the clock fails, when the charging is turned off, the charge icon continues to move; MOTOROLA M3888,3588 - RF path calibration grid failure, resulting in network loss from time to time. Ericsson 868 - periodic self-shutdown. How to find out if the phone has been decoded? By appearance: logo on the front panel, for example: D2, IDEA, E-plus, etc. Sticker under the battery in Polish, German and other languages not native to the manufacturer of this phone. Visible traces of opening a new phone. And the last - low price.
Buying a smartphone "from hand", buyers pay great attention to checking its appearance and basic functions, but they completely lose sight of one important point: they do not check with the seller whether the gadget is locked. A locked smartphone will cost the buyer less, but then you will have to pay a hundred times for a momentary benefit. What is a locked device and why is it not recommended to buy such a device?
Locked iPhone ( Sim Lock) is a gadget that can work with SIM cards of only one mobile operator. Such smartphones are sold together with mobile communication contracts (usually two years). By purchasing a Sim-Lock device, the user voluntarily deprives himself of the right to choose: if the conditions offered by the communication provider cease to suit the owner of the iPhone, he will not be able to go to competitors.
The SIM card of the “desired” operator is required to activate the locked device. This means that a gadget with Sim-Lock cannot be used even as a multimedia device - for watching movies or listening to music.
The practice of selling locked iPhones is common in the US, Australia and Western Europe. In Russia, iPhone Sim-Lock cannot be found in the windows of large electronics stores and mobile phone stores, but when buying via the Internet, you can easily come across such an instance. Most likely, the device will be locked for SIM cards not from a domestic mobile provider, but from a foreign one (like AT&T), so solving the problem simply by switching to another operator will not work.
How to find out if iPhone is locked or not?
It is better to prevent a problem than to solve it. In order not to get into a stupid situation, being “on hand” with an expensive device, but absolutely unsuitable in Russian realities, you should check the iPhone for Sim-Lock before transferring money seller.
There are several ways to understand that the iPhone is locked:
Insert your SIM card. Device without Sim Lock quickly recognizes the operator. If the gadget is locked, you will see the inscription “ Activation Required» (« Activation required»).
Through internet services. Thematic sites claim that there are no free services for checking Sim-Lock iPhone by IMEI, thereby misleading readers. At the time of this writing, the site www.iphoneox.com exists and works great, where they won’t ask for a single ruble for such a check.
Before using the site, find out Device IMEI- this number can be viewed on the iPhone box or in the smartphone settings (path " Settings» — « Main» — « About this device»).
A table with detailed information about the smartphone will appear. Find the item " Sim Lock Status»- if it stands opposite " unlocked”, which means that the gadget will be able to work with SIM cards of all operators.
There are other similar portals (for example, the more well-known service www.imei.info), but you have to pay for their use. The cost of verification will be about $3.
By model. It's not about modification. 5S, 6, 6S), namely models. You can find out the model in the section " About this device» in the device settings.
The two letters after the numbers in the model designation indicate the country for which the device is intended. In our example, these are the letters " EN"- we understand that this iPhone is for Russia, which means Sim Lock it cannot be on it.
If you buy "by hand" and see that in the model designation instead of " EN' stands, say, ' LL” (gadgets for Americans), you will need an additional check, because iPhones are sold in the USA with and without a SIM lock. Pay attention to the digital code in the designation: numbers 608 , 610 , 318 , 319 say that the device is locked.
How to unlock iPhone?
There are two ways to unlock an iPhone, and each of them requires material costs from the owner of the gadget.
Hardware "unlock"
Hardware "unlock" involves the use of a special adapter called Turbo Sim, which is placed in the SIM tray along with the card itself. The microchip of such a device contains unique IMSI identifiers of several well-known mobile operators at once - this allows you to get rid of blocking.
When activation occurs, on an iPhone with Turbo Sim a special code comes that unlocks the radio module and modem of the device.
The hardware "unlock" has a number of disadvantages:
- Communication is getting worse.
- After each signal loss, you have to carry out the activation procedure again.
- Functions iMessage and face time setting is problematic.
- Many Turbo Sim(for example, companies Rsim) do not allow you to perform any actions with the firmware of the gadget - in particular, update the OS.
Common in Russia Turbo Sim manufacturers such as Gevey, R-Sim, Heicard. Adapters of each of the firms have their pros and cons. Let's say Turbo Sim from Gevey are very fragile, but allow users to update the iPhone. Rsim, on the contrary, are durable, however, for each upgrade, the owner of the gadget will have to buy a new adapter from this manufacturer. Heicard favorably differ from the rest in that they provide high quality communication.
The cost of one adapter ranges from 1300 to 2000 rubles.
Official "unlock"
What to do if you do not want to endure the inconvenience associated with using Turbo Sim? Then you need to create an official request to the operator, notifying him of the desire to remove the blocking. The operator can meet halfway, but you have to pay him the nth amount - we can say that the owner of the iPhone redeems from a specific provider the right to choose a provider of cellular services.
The cheapest way to unlock an iPhone locked under an American operator AT&T- it will cost about 1 thousand rubles. Request to cancel blocking AT&T should be submitted here - www.att.com/esupport/index.jsp . The cost of "unlock" reaches 15 thousand rubles (when withdrawing Sim Lock, say, the Finnish operator DNA).
You can contact not only operators directly, but also third-party performers who are able to organize an official “unlock” faster (the operator will have to wait about a month for a response to a direct request). It is important to approach the choice of the contractor responsibly: you should contact companies that have real offices, and avoid companies that require payment with electronic money and promise instant unlocking.
Conclusion
Before you make a conscious purchase of a locked smartphone, consider whether this transaction will be profitable in the long run. To do this, you need to consider the cost of the adapter Turbo Sim or the services of iPhone unlock specialists (depending on the preferred type of “unlock”). It should also be taken into account that the buyer will not be able to use the iPhone straightaway- he will have to wait for the completion of the removal work Sim Lock or delivery of the required adapter. This inconvenience gives the buyer the right to demand an additional discount.
Read what a SIM lock is, how to find out if your phone is tied to a specific mobile operator, such as MTS or Bisign. And what if yes?
A smartphone without being tied to any one network gives its owner the freedom to choose any mobile provider. Now we will tell you if your phone is locked, or, as they say, it has “Sim Lock”.
Sim Lock - how it works and where it is found
A person wants to have a smartphone or tablet without being tied to a mobile operator for many reasons. Maybe he wants to use another operator's SIM card with a better rate while in another country. Or let's say you bought a phone online and want to know if it's only tied to one network. Or he wants to sell, but before that, make sure that the phone supports SIM-cards of any operators. In this article, we'll show you how it's done.
A tethered phone will only use the SIM card of the network to which it is tethered. This limitation is very annoying for those who want to use the services of another mobile provider.
If you buy a phone without a SIM card (and if you buy it in a specialized store, and not by hand), it will almost certainly not be tied to any one network, and the user will be able to decide for himself which operator's services suit him best. However, if you buy a gadget in the salons of a mobile operator, it may turn out to be tied.
Phones for only one network are now less common than they used to be. And if there are such, now the user can independently remove this restriction using codes. So for those who suddenly discovered that the purchased gadget is tied to only one network, there is nothing to worry about.
If you cannot unlock the phone for other operators yourself, then you may have to pay a small amount or wait until the contract expires. It all depends on the specific mobile provider and its conditions.
How to find out if the phone is tied to a mobile operator
The first way to check Sim Lock
For those who have an iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry or any other device from this series, the easiest way to find out the answer to this question is by inserting a SIM card from another operator.
You can borrow it from friends or your family, then you need to insert it into your gadget and see if there is a signal or not. If not, then most likely the phone is tied to one particular network.
The second way to check Sim Lock
Also, a simple call is a good way to check compatibility with a freshly inserted SIM card. If it does not pass, most likely, the phone is tied to one particular network.
Before buying, it is better to ask the seller if the phone is tied to SIM cards of the same network. But even if only after the purchase it turned out that the smartphone was tied, it’s okay, because for most models ways to remove such a restriction have already been described. So in this case, do not rush and send your gadget to the scrap.