Mobile Unlocking

[Taf]

Considering my background in electronics and telecomms, I am a total mobile newbie, so I need to ask this question:

My daughter BOUGHT a mobile (Nokia 5200), then BOUGHT a VM SIM and got their Pay-as-you-go service.

Finding it too expensive, she now wants to change to Orange, but apparently has to pay a 3rd Party up to £20 to "unlock" her phone so that she can swap service provider.

I would have thought that changing supplier would mean simply changing to the new supplier's SIM card and registering.

Or are we being ripped-off again?

[Osem]

Most PAYG phones are locked to the service provider. She shouldn't have to pay to unlock a Virgin mobile though provided she's spent more than about £30 on calls IIRC. Get her to check with VM customer services.

[Taf]

TVM... going to call ASAP....

[Hom3r]

you might find that there is another providers sim that will work without the need to unlock the phone.

[Tightscot]

could try this site... Linkage

not used them myself but i know a couple of peeps who have...

click on terms and check if your model is listed first...