Unlocking mobile 'phones - know anyone good?

[Eric The Viking]

I've finally gone all high-tech and switched to a 3G 'phone on a decent contract. I can now link my tablet to t'interwebthingy from most places via the 'phone ("tethering" as it's ironically called).

But I'm fond of the old 'phone, and don't really want to give it up. It's a Nokia 6300 like this:

Mine is presently locked to Orange. Annoyingly, although I'm staying with EE (T-Mobile), the SIM card won't work in it. It would be very handy for trips out and things when I don't want gadgetry, as it's small, the battery lasts, and it's easy to use. I lug enough (photographic) gear around as it is, so although the new 'phone isn't big, it's big enough to want to leave it behind.

So can anyone recommend a 'phone unlocking service I can send it to?

Optimistically,

E.

 

[cambournepete]

Why not just contact orange and tell them you want to unlock it?
They should be able to do it all for you and probably for free.

 

[jpt]

Most high streets and markets have mobile phone stalls/shops selling cover etc and they unlock phones for about £10.

john

 

[AndyT]

This page leads to instructions on how to do it yourself - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/unlock-mobile-phone#free though the list it leads to has other model numbers starting 63 but no 6300 - is that the exact model number? You can check by entering *#0000# - which will also show you how old it is.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Sadly the 6300 can't be unlocked by generating a code. It requires a USB connection and hardware. The 6310i (very popular, very good and much older) could be, and most of the rest of the 63xx series, but not that one. I cannot fathom Nokia's model numbering at all.

Thanks anyway,

E.

(I unlocked my 6310i successfully, but I think it's so old that modern SIMs won't work in it!).

 

[thomvic]

jpt is quite right - pretty much every high street has a mobile phone shop that will unlock any phone. The hardware and software used is readily available on the internet. However, Orange, EE and T-mobile are all the same outfit now so I reckon cambournepete has the best idea.

Richard

 

[Harbo]

I passed my 2 yr old iPhone 4 onto my Granddaughter when I upgraded to the 5.

Apple via Vodaphone unlocked it for free - you need the IMEI number.

Rod