A friend of mine has recently gone back to the UK for a family visit and has purchased two mobile phones that have been locked to the 3network. One is a Nokia 6680 and the other a Nokia N70. Would it be possible to get these unlocked in thailand and use them with a thai sim card?

Yes, any mobile shop has the software. Alternatively, look around bittorrent..

Yes, any mobile shop has the software. Alternatively, look around bittorrent..

A friend of mine has recently gone back to the UK for a family visit and has purchased two mobile phones that have been locked to the 3network. One is a Nokia 6680 and the other a Nokia N70. Would it be possible to get these unlocked in thailand and use them with a thai sim card?

Try looking on e-bay.co.uk in the software section on mobile phones... You will probably be able to unlock those models from the internet for just a few pounds. You can get the unlock codes from there.

Normally costs around Bt 100. Thousands of shops in Thailand will do.

Naka.

Careful if you're unlocking a phone which you have already been using.

I had mine unlocked in MBK and the the process erased all the dam-n data... phone numbers, messages, everything.

Here's the instructions from moneysavingexpert.com

The easiest way to unlock your phone is use a site like Trycktill, Unlock Nokiafree or Unlockitfree. These offer completely free unlocking for most Nokia phones and some other manufacturers. (If you're struggling though, a couple of regular MoneySavingExpert chat forum users who are great at this work tirelessly to help people unlock, try the normal methods above, but if not go to this unlocking discussion).

To find out the unlock code you'll need the IMEI code, network and the phone model. Just enter the information and the site will automatically generate an unlock code for you.

What's the IMEI code?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is a unique number given to all mobile phones, usually noted behind the battery or by typing *#06# into the handset. IMEI numbers are stored in a database containing all valid mobiles. When a phone is reported lost or stolen, this number is marked as invalid.

What info will they need?

IMEI Number

To find your IMEI code type *#06# into your handset, and note the number.

Network

The network is the one you're currently on, not the one you want to change to e.g. Vodafone, Orange, 3.

Phone Make and Model

The make will be, for example, Nokia, Samsung or Ericsson. The model of your phone can usually be found on the inside, where the Sim card fits.

What to do with the code?

Enter your details and the website will generate an unlock code specific to the model of your phone. The code will look something like this: #pw+2746763089+1# (Nokia phones) *2767*637# (Other makes)

Take the Sim card out of the phone and put in a different network's Sim. Enter the generated code into the phone. You may be given several codes. Try the first one to start with and if this doesn't work try the others.

How to enter the code

Rather than using the regular text keys you need to use the * key if you want to produce letters as opposed to numbers. To produce a ‘p', press the * button three times within two seconds; to produce a ‘w', press the * button four times within two seconds; to produce a ‘+', press the * button twice within two seconds.

You should now get a message saying ‘phone restriction off'. You only have five attempts to enter the correct code so be extremely careful. If you've not succeeded by then, the phone will still work though you'll have to go to the network or a retailer to get it unlocked which costs a lot more (still nothing lost though).

Unlocking via a cable

If you can't unlock your phone with a code or want to be able to do it for friends and family you can buy a cable on eBay or cheaper accessory websites and download free software which should do the trick. Though do make sure you get the right cable for the phone!