So I live in the northern part of Canada and my city only has Bell, but I would like to get the Samsung Focus from Rogers in Edmonton, AB when I go there in about a week. Is that possible? How? Will I need to unlock it, or can they unlock it for me? What about the SIM card I can get from Bell? Can someone explain all of this for me?
If so, I'd appreciate it very much.
You need to buy the phone outright from a Rogers store, be it kiosk or full meal deal outlet.
They will not unlock the phone, or even discuss it with you. Since you are buying a Rogers branded phone, you will need to Unlock the phone yourself in order to use it on Bell.
The guy I used for the unlock code is from eBay and he charged me $15.99 via PayPal. 30 mins later, I had my unlock code. When you purchase the unlock code, you need to ensure your IMEI is listed in your purchase instructions.
This means you need to own the phone, before you purchase the unlock code. The seller I chose has the icon GSMUnlock as his avatar and his name is unlockgsm4u.
Once you have the code, there are two ways to unlock the phone. One is through the Diagnosis app that is revealed when dialing ##634# [send]. The second is to boot the phone with a non-rogers sim inside. The second mode is probably the easiest. You may need to reboot your phone after entering the unlock code to get Service using your Bell SIM. I cannot confirm, others may be able. I had to reboot in order to use my SaskTel SIM card.
Once you have rebooted, and have cellular service, you need to get Data working.
Data is done by entering your networks' APN info.
There are a few posts on this site that have Bell APN info listed.
Apparently MMS is still an issue, and some are hoping the spring update resolves that issue.
The rogers phone does not have HSUPA enabled by default. This means you will not get Bell's full data speeds on your rogers phone, until you delve into the diagnosis app and enable HSUPA (which is the + in HSPA+). There is a post by me on this site to enable that.
This is a brief introduction to the hoops one must jump through to get an unlocked phone. Once you have your device, post back and I"m sure the crew here will help you out.
They're a good bunch, and I'm happy to call this place home, at least in terms of my phone info.
Alright.
Thank you very much for your help. I appreciate it very much. You've helped explain everything to me!
Related
I have read in another thread that the HD2 doesn't need a CID unlock like my Topaz did for SIM unlock. The HSPL would do this for HD2!
Well first thing I would like to know is: Is this true?
Second thing is: If this is true, it is also true for T-Mobile US HD2?
Thanks.
Santroph.
Hi. What I do know is that you can get the sim unlock code from T-mobile. I just called them yesterday and asked for a unlock code. They said emailing me the code in 24 hrs. Hopefully they will do.
Is anyone besides me just a little annoyed at the people who say "I just talked to T-Mobile and I should have my code in 24hrs" but not one post actually saying they received their code and their phone is unlocked?
Why even bother posting?
I've been with T-Mobile for years, and they have provided an unlock code for me a number of times. You just have to request one. It used to be that you'd need to have been with them for 90 days, now it's 14 days after you've bought the device or signed a new contract.
Here is the email I got from Tmobile..
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: XXXXXXXX
IMEI: 3XXXXXXXXXXX
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. We have forwarded your request to the manufacturer. These requests normally take 24-48 hours, but may sometimes take longer based on circumstances that are not under our control. Please allow 14 days before submitting a duplicate request. If no response has been received after 14 days, please submit a new request.
NOTE: Since T-Mobile is requesting an unlock code from the manufacturer we cannot guarantee the response time or that a unlock code will be provided.
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
excuse me for being noob, but what do we do with the code after recieveing it?
are we supposed to plug it in somewhere?
wdasilva said:
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: XXXXXXXX
IMEI: 3XXXXXXXXXXX
[snip]
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wtf, I called in my request March 25th, and I didn't even get a confirmation email. I called them two times in between, and was told first time wait 24 hours, 2nd time wait 78 hours. I've been on pre-paid sim for over 2 months now too.
my friend still hasnt got his code from T-Mobile..he is getting pissed...i can use my hd2 with all its glory but hes limited to wifi..and let me add it was hell trying to get these phones ugh...but it was so worth the highspeed drives to 2 different towns outside of Houston, Tx..man so worth it lols
I've had three phones unlocked by tmobile. just call them and tell them you're going abroad and you need you phone unlocked. i do not think they will unlock it soon as you get it. the email said you have to have been on the tmobile plan for at least 90 days before requesting unlock code. make sure you verify 3 times your IMEiwith the operators because I've had them get it wrong a few times. its frustrating and delays you getting your code. if all goes well, you get it in bout 24 hours.
I did request and RECEIVED unlock code from TMobile for about 10 times w/o much problem. Those code DO work and you dont need to reenter them after soft/hard reset.
They DO check that you are with them for 90 days. In fact you can request 1 unlock code every 90 days. Just call and tell that you are going overseas and need your phone to be unlocked. They will try to offer you those terrible "international" deals. Deny them, nothing beats local SIM
As been said - verify IMEI code and your phone model several times with TMO Rep, because couple times they DID send me wrong codes.
They send you email with unlock code and ALSO unlock INSTRUCTIONS specific for your phone.
bogdatov said:
I did request and RECEIVED unlock code from TMobile for about 10 times w/o much problem. Those code DO work and you dont need to reenter them after soft/hard reset.
They DO check that you are with them for 90 days. In fact you can request 1 unlock code every 90 days. Just call and tell that you are going overseas and need your phone to be unlocked. They will try to offer you those terrible "international" deals. Deny them, nothing beats local SIM
As been said - verify IMEI code and your phone model several times with TMO Rep, because couple times they DID send me wrong codes.
They send you email with unlock code and ALSO unlock INSTRUCTIONS specific for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've purchased outright and are a current pre/postpaid customer, there's not waiting period, as listed on their policy.
Thanks for all the replies guys.
My problem is a little different. I'm intending to buy a HD2 from T-mobile while in US this April, BUT I'm from Brazil and I do not intend to have a plan with T-Mobile US. I would like to have my HD2 unlocked so I could use it in Brazil, if TMOUS can't do it or won't do it because I won't have a plan with them, how can I do it? Does anyone know a unlock store in Miami ou Orlando?
I'm not willing to do it from internet sites, I really don't trust them to give my IMEI.
Thanks.
Santroph.
santroph said:
Thanks for all the replies guys.
My problem is a little different. I'm intending to buy a HD2 from T-mobile while in US this April, BUT I'm from Brazil and I do not intend to have a plan with T-Mobile US. I would like to have my HD2 unlocked so I could use it in Brazil, if TMOUS can't do it or won't do it because I won't have a plan with them, how can I do it? Does anyone know a unlock store in Miami ou Orlando?
I'm not willing to do it from internet sites, I really don't trust them to give my IMEI.
Thanks.
Santroph.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pay the phone right out and call tmobile and tell them u r going out of the country and need it unlocked make sure u tell them u pay for the phone in full and get a month to month contact that way u can cancel it when u get the phone unlocked.
* bangs head on desk *
Hey guys just an update, I got this email today trying the unlock code and it worked.... I am now using my HTC HD2 on the Bell network in canada
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: XXXXXXX
IMEI: XXXXXXXXXX
Unlock Code: XXXXXX
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your HTC device.
1. Insert the foreign SIM card
2. Power on the device and the display should read "Please input unlock code"
3. Enter the unlock code and the device should display "Phone is unlocked."
4. Allow the phone to scan the network (or manually click on the antenna icon to do this)
It is very important that the instructions and SIM unlock code are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
I'm surprised TMo doesn't just give you the unlock code on your account page.. AT&T does that now, when you sign into your account online.
Hrm.
edgie168 said:
I'm surprised TMo doesn't just give you the unlock code on your account page.. AT&T does that now, when you sign into your account online.
Hrm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an account with Tmo... I bought the phne outright, faxed them the reciept and recieved the code 48 hours later via email
I thought I might have to wait for the 14 day buyers remorse period but that was not the case.
I guess it helped that I told them I live in Canada and could not go back to the USA to return the phone anyways
ljwnow said:
Hi. What I do know is that you can get the sim unlock code from T-mobile. I just called them yesterday and asked for a unlock code. They said emailing me the code in 24 hrs. Hopefully they will do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you get it yet ???
I paid for my phone in full from a T-Mobile dealer. I have ATT and I told their phone rep this when I called TMo. They painlessly provided me with the unlock code after I faxed a copy of my receipt of purchase. The code works perfectly fine and the phone connected to ATT immediately.
No problems whatsoever.
wdasilva said:
Hey guys just an update, I got this email today trying the unlock code and it worked.... I am now using my HTC HD2 on the Bell network in canada
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: XXXXXXX
IMEI: XXXXXXXXXX
Unlock Code: XXXXXX
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your HTC device.
1. Insert the foreign SIM card
2. Power on the device and the display should read "Please input unlock code"
3. Enter the unlock code and the device should display "Phone is unlocked."
4. Allow the phone to scan the network (or manually click on the antenna icon to do this)
It is very important that the instructions and SIM unlock code are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My heart has just broke, The HTC HD2 will NOT work on Bell Mobility Network, if you want this phone is Canada you must have a Rogers Card. I put it my friends Rogers Sim card and it worked, my Bell Sim does not.
My loss will be some other Canadian's gain.... I will be selling it (tear)
So I bought my HD2 2 weeks after they came out. Shortly after I tried buying an unlock code for my phone because t-mobiles service in my area is kind of come and go. Unfortunatly I have one of the 35777 Phones so after 4 attempts with 4 different sites failing at getting a code, I tried emailing tmobile to see if they would give me a code as they already told me they dont have service in my area. They told me to fax them a copy of my invoice proving I paid full price for the thing, so I did. About a week later they got back to me and said that due to the fact that I bought it from a site that was not one of their approved retailers I couldnt get an unlock code. So about a week and a half ago I went to a tmobile store and got the darn thing setup anyways. I get some service in this area, just not much. Now about 3 days ago, I get an email from t-mobile that looks like this:
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: *******
IMEI: 35777*********
Unlock Code: ********
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your HTC device.
1. Insert the foreign SIM card
2. Power on the device and the display should read "Please input unlock code"
3. Enter the unlock code and the device should display "Phone is unlocked."
4. Allow the phone to scan the network (or manually click on the antenna icon to do this)
It is very important that the instructions and SIM unlock code are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
I kind of find this a bit odd. They tell me I cant get the number, then about a month later they randomly mail it to me anyway.
sounds kind of odd... have you always had tmobile or did you just sign up to purchase the hd2?
Neither, I had at&t before, Wanted to buy it and unlock it to use with at&t but in the process realized at&t's service is a bit of a ripoff. Atleast it is with standard plans. Wanted to try and use my hd2 with a gophone card but it doesnt seem to want to work.
Hello,
Does anybody know a way i can unlock my Defy its currently locked on the T-Mobile UK network, I have tried searching the internet but i can't find anything please help.
Thanks
Chris
I'm also looking for a carrier unlock. Mine is US T-Mobile. Anyone know of a reliable place for unlock codes?
philmillman said:
I'm also looking for a carrier unlock. Mine is US T-Mobile. Anyone know of a reliable place for unlock codes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Tmo (USA at least)
they will give it to you. You just have to call in and ask. May need to be a customer for a little while, but only if you are on postpaid. If you paid full price you can request unlock code right away.
Unlock Motorola Defy
Hello everybrody;
Any news about the unlock codes?
Thanks in advanced.Regards.
i got an HD2 on line and Nuron on prepaid, called tmobile 2 for each phone and less than 24hrs on each occasion i got the unlock code from them
For Tmobile USA
I got mine. It is free, just call Tmo and ask for the unlock code, tell them you are going to another country for vacations.
I payed full price, if you got the phone with a contract you might have to wait some time to get the unlock code from Tmo as they told me there are certain rules if you buy the phone with discount (aka 2yr contract).
I like Tmobile
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: 1231232
IMEI: ##################
Unlock Code: ***************
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Motorola device.
1. Place a non-T Mobile SIM card into the handset and turn the handset on.
2. The handset display should read "SIM network unlock PIN"
3. Tap the box below the message
4. Enter the unlock code and Tap "Unlock"
Note: Device should display "Network unlock successful".
If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Service for support.
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Actually, if you've been a customer for a few years they will give it to you contract price or not. I've never had an issue. However with wifi calling (and the fact that I really need my regular number for my work) I'm less motivated.
Hello everyone!
I am not from US and I bought Defy from a person who got it on Oprah show. Waiting for this phone to arrive soon. It should be locked and I want to unlock it. I will receive copy of Oprah letter enclosed with phone. Something about 3 month of free T-Mobile service and pre-activated sim card.
Now the question. Will I get unlock from T-Mobile if I contact them? Will letter help?
pogo stick said:
Hello everyone!
I am not from US and I bought Defy from a person who got it on Oprah show. Waiting for this phone to arrive soon. It should be locked and I want to unlock it. I will receive copy of Oprah letter enclosed with phone. Something about 3 month of free T-Mobile service and pre-activated sim card.
Now the question. Will I get unlock from T-Mobile if I contact them? Will letter help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://support.t-mobile.com/doc/tm51885.xml
SIM Unlock Code
For information on the SIM Unlock Code, refer to the following:
If you purchased a wireless phone from T-Mobile, your phone has been programmed with a SIM lock which will prevent the phone from operating with other compatible wireless telephone carrier’s services. If you wish to use the phone with the service of another wireless telephone carrier, you must enter a numeric SIM Unlock Code to unlock the phone.
For customers with a T-Mobile Postpaid Plan, T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible customers, provided the requesting customer has a minimum of 40 days of active service with T-Mobile.
For customers with a T-Mobile Prepaid Plan, T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible customers, provided the requesting customer has a minimum of 60 days of active service with T-Mobile and either a Prepaid Plan account balance of at least $10.00 or a prior refill within the last 30 days.
T-Mobile will provide the SIM Unlock Code upon request to eligible former customers, provided that T-Mobile has such code or can obtain it from the manufacturer.
You may request the SIM Unlock Code for your phone, together with instructions for entering the code, by calling T-Mobile customer care at 1-800-937-8997
customer support will also tell you Tmobile requires the phone be ACTIVE/USED on Tmo US for atleast 14 days since they can detect phones that use their networks
I got a TMobile (US) DEFY as a gift (I believe it is an Oprah show giveaway) and have been having a very hard time trying to unlock the phone. even the code that TMobile provided was wrong.
Attempts:
1 - TMobile - they said they did not have it in their database and contacted motorola. The code they sent was 8 digits and did not work.
2 - Unlockitnow-com - Paid $20 - Sent me 3 codes and all three did not work (I did a motorola database "not found" lookup) -> I made a youtube video of the code not working to get a refund and they said they are mailing me a sim unlock kit.
3 - Private Unlocker in Toronto - Paid $35 - Sent me 1 code and it was the same as one of the codes from unlockitnow-com so I did not try it as I knew it failed previously -> he then contacted motorola who advised him that the phone may possibly have a network lock and not a simlock so it would require 2 codes?? both 16-digit subsidy codes as the phones sent to Oprah were never sent to TMobile to remove the subsidy codes and insert TMobile 8digit calculated codes.
Debating trying to apply for a subsidy code from GSM liberty -> gsmliberty-net/shop/16-digit-motorola-subsidy-code-p-3213.html
Anyone else with a DEFY from the Oprah Show manage to unlock it? please help! PM or reply!! thanks in advance
got the same problemo here.. my uncle bought a motorola defy from the oprah show, then call t-mobile for unlock code..
t-mobile always sent the same code (just 8 digits) & it doesn't work.. they said that he has to call directly to motorola because he doesn't get the phone directly from tmobile (what the heck?? it's a tmobile phone for crying out loud..!!)
now he is trying swiftunlock from ebay.. haven't got the code yet..
hope it will work..
same thing here...
ru1dev said:
I got a TMobile (US) DEFY as a gift (I believe it is an Oprah show giveaway) and have been having a very hard time trying to unlock the phone. even the code that TMobile provided was wrong.
Attempts:
1 - TMobile - they said they did not have it in their database and contacted motorola. The code they sent was 8 digits and did not work.
2 - Unlockitnow-com - Paid $20 - Sent me 3 codes and all three did not work (I did a motorola database "not found" lookup) -> I made a youtube video of the code not working to get a refund and they said they are mailing me a sim unlock kit.
3 - Private Unlocker in Toronto - Paid $35 - Sent me 1 code and it was the same as one of the codes from unlockitnow-com so I did not try it as I knew it failed previously -> he then contacted motorola who advised him that the phone may possibly have a network lock and not a simlock so it would require 2 codes?? both 16-digit subsidy codes as the phones sent to Oprah were never sent to TMobile to remove the subsidy codes and insert TMobile 8digit calculated codes.
Debating trying to apply for a subsidy code from GSM liberty -> gsmliberty-net/shop/16-digit-motorola-subsidy-code-p-3213.html
Anyone else with a DEFY from the Oprah Show manage to unlock it? please help! PM or reply!! thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with this oprah defy phone. I bought it for my husband for christmas (Im a Tilt2 .. and sticking with it..LOL)
You got much further than I did with T-Mobile, after being "disconnected" twice, I called back a third time only to have possibly the rudest tmobile rep on the planet tell me that there is no way they can know whether or not I stole the phone! and so it is impossible for them to give me a code. She then said that because it was a prepaid oprah phone that it could not be unlocked.
I gave up on T-Mobile and bought a code from unlock to talk and they sent me 2, both of which didnt work...(currently shooting my refund video as we speak...LOL...but they didnt sound too eager to give me my money back either way).
If anyone finds a reputable place that can unlock this expensive paper weight, please please post!....
help!!!
QSMR
Interested in this as well since the code that T-Mobile provided didn't work...
Beach_Head said:
Interested in this as well since the code that T-Mobile provided didn't work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this dude claims he is (or was) selling an unlocked Oprah Defy, maybe he can tell you how he did it. Or, maybe he really didn't?
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...Won-On-Oprah-Show-4GB-Card-W0QQAdIdZ250984506
gsmliberty
I decided to bite the bullet and risk losing more money on yet another unlock code....
Im trying gsmliberty too, since they have the 16 digit subsidy codes that this phone seems to need...
I have a ticket open with them at the moment 'cause they dont actually list the defy as a supported model, I already paid so we'll see...I really hope they can help me (its for my husband who is a US Marine)...I think it will also be the ultimate test for the ruggedness of this phone...LOL
I'll let you know what happens with gsmliberty...
QSMR
scrannel said:
Well, this dude claims he is (or was) selling an unlocked Oprah Defy, maybe he can tell you how he did it. Or, maybe he really didn't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also emailed this guy ..LOL....we'll see if he answers....
Gsm liberty 16 digit worked!
gsm liberty
really, thats great....can you tell me how exactly you ordered on that site? I put in my order, on thego the email to choose my phone model and wasnt listed. So I asked them what to put in the dropdown list and they keep putting trouble tickets in and then resending the same dropdown request.
Im so frustrated, but I feel better now that you said you got a working code from them...how did you order?
thanks!!!
supposed to be....
QSMR said:
really, thats great....can you tell me how exactly you ordered on that site? I put in my order, on thego the email to choose my phone model and wasnt listed. So I asked them what to put in the dropdown list and they keep putting trouble tickets in and then resending the same dropdown request.
Im so frustrated, but I feel better now that you said you got a working code from them...how did you order?
thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was supposed to say... then got the email ...lol... spaz typing...lol
I know thay have a couple different pages, for carrier and for model etc. I was afraid to choose "all T-Mobile" because that hasnt worked for me with anyone else....
Any updates on this?
hi,
couldn't find a solution anywhere, so i'm trying here, apologies if i misplaced my post.
i bought a s4 SM-S975L from wallmart (straightalk) in the US, but got relocated by my employer to israel.
now im stationed in israel/malta (rotating).
the s4 SM-S975L is locked apparently for any sim. tried to contact the company - they blew me off.
now im stuck with a phone which i cant use.
does anyone know how to "sim unlock" this one?
please?
thank you
You might want to remove your email unless you want to get harvested by a spambot.
Straight Talk Unlocking Policy
It's no surprise that Straight Talk blew you off. Your situation doesn't meet their terms and conditions in that you haven't had the phone active for one year. As to unlocking your phone, you can use either of the two methods that have already been discussed on these forums. Either going through the service menu to unlock, or using RegionLock Away and praying it works. Otherwise, you're out of luck and should send the phone to someone you know in the US so they can return it to WalMart.
thanks, but
thanks, but the mentioned dont fit.
they are not suitable for the model i have.
any other ideas? anyone?
If the methods mentioned didn't work, you'll have to purchase an unlock code from a third party. You could always put the phone on eBay and sell it, if you're not able to return it and don't want to spend any further money.
Be aware that even if you do get the phone unlocked LTE will not work in Israel as the phone doesn't have the correct bands. 3G and HSPA+ should still function.
thanks, can
thank you.
can you perhpas guide me to where i can get such a code?
3G and HSPA+ should still function - thats ok
http://www.sammobile.com/unlock/
Sam mobile doesn't support this model in the unlocking site, :/
Search the Internet as there are other places besides them. If no one can unlock it, then you have to use Straight Talk for a year and get the unlock code that way.
Hi,
I just purchased an as new unlocked note 4 from someone on gumtree, they have been posting for years so don't think i have a dodgy phone, i sent my brother to pick the phone up from their home while i was working and he said they unlocked the password while he was there.
But i have just tried a couple of sims and i get the message " sim network unlock pin"
I have tried to contact the person but he works away off shore and don't know when he will get back or reply.
Is there a way to get by this and get my sim working?.......i was planning on rooting the phone anyway.
Thanks for any replies!
You will need to get the unlock code because it's locked to a particular network.
You can usually tell which network it's locked to because it has bloatware from that network installed.
Also in the settings on "about phone" tab it should give you some letters at the end of the firmware version which will tell you what network.
Mine was locked to O2 and I used this guy.
Gave me code in a few hours.
jh787 said:
You will need to get the unlock code because it's locked to a particular network.
You can usually tell which network it's locked to because it has bloatware from that network installed.
Also in the settings on "about phone" tab it should give you some letters at the end of the firmware version which will tell you what network.
Mine was locked to O2 and I used this guy.
Gave me code in a few hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, There does not seem to be any bloatware installed from any network....the phone does look like a bought unlocked phone. Maybe the owner has put a sim lock on the phone himself?
download the Samsung Info app from Play Store, it should tell you eveything you need to know(root wont unlock network)and no way the seller put a network lock, in terms of unlocking you'll need the code. Some service providers supply them at no fee and some at a fee, alternatively you have a plethora of online options usually at a small cost to provide code, gl.