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Old 09-02-2006, 07:21 AM
     
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slypher
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Join Date: 05-01-2006
PDAPhone: Touch Pro
Carrier: SPCS
Headset: JawBone
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MSL explained

Quote:
Originally Posted by yodas-gsr
when i put in the ##775# i get asked for an unlock code? i tried the code when my phone is locked but that doesnt do it. noob question prolly. help
your phone is looking for the MSL in order for you to proceed. I took the below explanation from phone scoop:

MSL

(Master Subsidy Lock)

A numeric code (password) that prevents a user from accessing certain technical settings of a phone. It is specifically designed to prevent a phone from being reprogrammed to work with a different carrier (service provider).

This is what is usually meant when a phone is referred to as "locked". There are also "unlocked" phones that can be reprogrammed to work with a different carrier.

The reason for this system is the way phones are often sold. Many phones are sold below cost, (at a loss to the carrier,) with the expectation that the money will be recouped in the cost of the monthly service plan. The up-front loss that is later recouped is called a Subsidy.

For this to work financially for the carrier, the user must not buy the phone and then use it with a different carrier. The MSL makes that nearly impossible.

Unlocked phones are ususally much more expensive than locked phones, because there is no subsidy to offset the cost.
 
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