NTT DOCOMO Removes SIM Lock from New Mobile Devices for $38

Japanese major carrier NTT DOCOMO has recently announced that it will remove the SIM lock capability per customers’ requests. However, it seems that only the carrier's mobile devices newly marketed on or after April 1, 2011 will be allowed to have the SIM lock capability removed.

Customers who wish to have the SIM lock removed must take their device to any NTT DOCOMO store in Japan and sign a waiver that acknowledges that certain services and features of the device and network might be disabled if another operator’s SIM card is used.

Furthermore, customers have to pay an unlocking fee of 3,150 yen (tax included), which is about $38.

According to NTT DOCOMO the decision “reflects DOCOMO’s desire to meet the needs of customers who want to use unlocked wireless devices on other operators’ mobile networks by simply switching SIM cards, such as using a DOCOMO handset as a local device overseas.”

Apparently, some of the carrier's devices may not operate with certain non-DOCOMO SIM cards even after SIM-lock removal, while certain non-DOCOMO unlocked devices may not operate with a DOCOMO SIM card.

To make sure that a SIM card is available with a certain device, customer will have to visit the nearest NTT DOCOMO store, where the compatibility can be confirmed.

In addition, the carrier will start retailing SIM cards and micro SIM cards for customers who wish to use non-DOCOMO devices on the carrier's mobile network or a different SIM card in their DOCOMO device.

Customers will be able to purchase DOCOMO SIM cards (“FOMA cards”) and micro SIM cards (“DOCOMO mini UIM cards”) starting April 1.

Even though the carrier has stated that the SIM cards will be free, they will become available on a subscription basis and customers will pay normal subscriber fees. Customers who wish to obtain a SIM card must visit a DOCOMO store with their mobile device.