Is there a disadvantage in "SIM unlock"?What you need to know before the obligation to start in October

Smartphones purchased under the main brand of DoCoMo / au SoftBank are basically "SIM lock".

If you meet the conditions set by each communication carrier, you can release it yourself and make your smartphone into a "SIM -free" state.This time, let's introduce the advantages/disadvantages of what will happen if you unlock SIM.

What is SIM lock?What changes when you release it?

First, let's briefly introduce what SIM lock is.The smartphone purchased with the DOCOMO / au SoftBank main brand is basically locked on the terminal, so that data communication cannot be performed even if other telecommunications companies are inserted.

Express this state as "SIM lock" is applied.The SIM card has information such as user's contract information and telephone number, so if you have a SIM lock, you will not be able to use the SIM of another telecommunications company and call.

[See] Is LINE Mobile SIM unlocking? Introducing how to unlock and merit and demerits!

SIM lock can be released yourself!Are there any advantages/disadvantages?

The SIM lock on your smartphone can be easily released yourself if you meet the conditions.The conditions and methods of unlocking are listed on the website of each communication carrier, so check.

Also, if it is difficult to unlock the SIM online, you can complete the procedure at each communication carrier.However, be careful if you do a SIM unlocking procedure at the store, as a 3300 yen fee will be charged.

What are the benefits of unlocking SIM?

The advantage of unlocking the SIM lock is that data communication can be performed by inserting another SIM card into a smartphone purchased from a communication carrier.In each carrier, you can sign only lines separately from the smartphone, so it is convenient when you want to switch the line to other companies with your current smartphone.

In addition, when switching contracts to MVNO (cheap SIM) instead of communication carriers, it is recommended to unlock the SIM because you may be able to operate the smartphone you are currently using.

However, depending on the smartphone model, it may not be compatible with the frequency band provided by each communication carrier, and in some places communication may be unstable.

The frequency band provided by each communication carrier and the frequency bands that the terminals are compatible can be confirmed from each HP, so it is a good idea to check before switching the line contract.

Is there a disadvantage in unlocking SIM?

If you unlock SIM, there is basically no major disadvantage.For example, even after unlocking the SIM lock of the smartphone purchased from the DOCOMO / au / SoftBank main brand, each window will be used at each window.

However, there is no operation confirmation or operation guarantee for using a SIM card other than the communication carrier who purchased the smartphone.In addition, the change or loss of the data stored in the mobile phone when the SIM unlock is implemented is not guaranteed.

Since there is no terminal warranty, it is a good idea to make a backup yourself when unlocking the SIM.

[See] DOCOMO SIM unlock

[See] AU SIM unlocking procedure

[See] Please tell us about the SoftBank "SIM unlock".

"SIM Lock" will be banned in principle from October 2021!?

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced on May 28, 2021, and the "Guidelines on smooth distribution and use of mobile terminal equipment" will prohibit the sale of terminals locked from October 1, 2021.The policy is shown.

Therefore, if you purchase a smartphone after October 2021, you will be able to purchase a terminal with a SIM -free state from the time of purchase.

However, it is difficult to prevent installments in other alternative means, which has a lower effect of user rights and competition in case other alternative means, such as inexpensive acts such as installment grants.If it is recognized as this, the SIM lock setting may be accepted exceptionally.

In this case, even if the total amount of the terminal price was paid later, or if the buyer responded to the credit confirmation measures, and the result was confirmed that the result was appropriate, SIM locking without the procedure of the user.It is obliged to cancel.

In other words, if you pay the terminal price or set the monthly payment to a credit card, you will be able to purchase terminals that are not locked in principle.

[See] Guidelines on the smooth distribution and use of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications mobile terminal equipment

* Data was examined as of early July 2021.* The information is made thorough, but it does not guarantee the integrity and accuracy of the content.* Please use the product at your own risk.

Sentence/Fumihiko Sato