Is this common? Regional SIM locking on GNote 3

http://www.amazon.co...nt#R3KE2U7W44WXFZ

In order to provide customers with the optimal mobile experience in each region including customer care services, Samsung has incorporated the `regional SIM lock' feature into Galaxy Note 3 devices. The product is only compatible with a SIM-card issued from a mobile operator within the region identified on the sticker of the product package. When the device is activated with a SIM card issued from the other region, the device may be automatically locked until it is released at the dedicated service centre.

Once a device is activated normally, the regional SIM lock is automatically released. Users can enjoy the roaming service as usual and can use other region's SIM card when travelling. The regional SIM lock has been applied to the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S4 devices through a software update in selective markets. The regional SIM lock does NOT affect the device's features and performance. Users can continue to enjoy all the advanced features of our products.

Emphasis added.

Others are saying that even if they first used a home region SIM in the phone, it's still locked so they can't use a foreign SIM while traveling. Perhaps their statement about roaming means they'll let you use your home carrier's roaming service when abroad, or something.

This is a deal breaker for me. I won't buy a Samsung GSM phone with such a lock. One of the great advantages of a GSM phone is that you can use foreign SIM while traveling. I won't give that up if there is a choice.

Are other manufacturers doing this?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #382,087 by Another Scott 10/13/13 10:14:12 PM Reply	Is this common? Regional SIM locking on GNote 3 http://www.amazon.co...nt#R3KE2U7W44WXFZ In order to provide customers with the optimal mobile experience in each region including customer care services, Samsung has incorporated the `regional SIM lock' feature into Galaxy Note 3 devices. The product is only compatible with a SIM-card issued from a mobile operator within the region identified on the sticker of the product package. When the device is activated with a SIM card issued from the other region, the device may be automatically locked until it is released at the dedicated service centre. Once a device is activated normally, the regional SIM lock is automatically released. Users can enjoy the roaming service as usual and can use other region's SIM card when travelling. The regional SIM lock has been applied to the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S4 devices through a software update in selective markets. The regional SIM lock does NOT affect the device's features and performance. Users can continue to enjoy all the advanced features of our products. Emphasis added. Others are saying that even if they first used a home region SIM in the phone, it's still locked so they can't use a foreign SIM while traveling. Perhaps their statement about roaming means they'll let you use your home carrier's roaming service when abroad, or something. This is a deal breaker for me. I won't buy a Samsung GSM phone with such a lock. One of the great advantages of a GSM phone is that you can use foreign SIM while traveling. I won't give that up if there is a choice. Are other manufacturers doing this? Thanks. Cheers, Scott.
Post #382,100 by static 10/14/13 5:49:12 AM Reply	Sounds like combatting grey imports. From the description, it sounds like a way to stop people buying over the 'net a device not intended for their market. The carriers would love this, of course. Sounds like it might be a bit buggy. Which is really unacceptable. It is the type of thing which can be implemented flawlessly, IMO. Wade. Just Add Story http://justaddstory.wordpress.com/
Post #382,117 by jake123 10/14/13 9:41:33 AM Reply	Comes back down to the simple truth when you buy one of those things, it's still not really yours.

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