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Which networks lock their 5G CPE devices, and can they be unlocked?

kocz

Pro Member
I'm looking at getting a pre-owned 5G router on ebay, and ideally want to get an unlocked one. There seems to be some conflicting information on the web about which networks lock their devices, and whether they can be manually unlocked.

Some say Three permanently locks their routers and use up all the attempts, yet I've seen a few listings which claim to be a Three-issued device that has since been unlocked. Others say their Vodafone router was unlocked from the beginning, yet on forums I see people say their device is locked and VF refuse to issue an unlock code.

Is there any way to tell, either from network, device model no, box packaging? Are these eBay listings lying?
 
if it helps, I purchased a 3 branded ZTE MC801A from CEX (sold as locked to 3)

ive tried a EE sim and it works fine, even on 5G.

maybe better to buy from a place where you can return it if it doesnt work.
 
maybe better to buy from a place where you can return it if it doesnt work.
Ebay's return policy should be good enough for this, assuming it's advertised as unlocked in the first place.

Main reason for asking is, unlocked routers usually sell for a lot more than locked ones, so I was interested to know whether there was a possibility to tell if a device might be unlocked/unlockable despite being listed as network locked or branded.
 
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