Why cannot my phone be unlocked?

[filthiestfis]

A friend gave me a phone recently that used to be on Orange contract but it showed limited service (so I couldnt use it) , so I took it to a shop to unlock.
In the shop the phone was "unlocked" using a programme but when I tried it out it was still locked so I went back to them and they said that the phone cannot be unlocked lawfully.

Whats going on?

[Ethel]

Have you bought a stolen phone?

[Fay Mousse]

Have you bought a stolen phone?

[filthiestfis]

I havent bought anything, it was given to me by a decent friend so I think its unlikely to be stolen.

[qandaseeker]

What make and model is it?

[filthiestfis]

samsung c300 -whats that got to do with anything?

[4getmenot]

Just go on here and do it yourself

http://www.unlock-mobilephone.co.uk/?s=07&gcli d=COP66__RrJoCFQEEZgodbhtKcQ

[Fay Mousse]

That link is only for Nokia phones, if you click the terms and conditions.

The make and model has a lot to do with it - there are no codes available for some phones.

[kempie]

"...whats that got to do with anything?"

Not all phones are the same.

Some models are physically locked to a provider and would require a soldering iron (and a magnifying glass) to adapt the circuit board therefore it is legitimate to ask the make and model to help in providing an answer.

[filthiestfis]

sorry if I seemed rude. So basically my handset can only be used abroad. Great.