yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mcv83:
Actually, I'll get mine on saturday, will activate it here, in France, so, with a EU Sim card, and then, will try with my T-Mobile SIM Card.

But what Samsung Switzerland could be true : I owned a GS4, activated with a EU Sim Card, and used it in the USA with T-Mobile without any kind of problem....

That gives me a little hope...
[Galaxy Note 3 General] tech0815:
I read in german language forum that Samsungs´ Facebook support now withdrawn their first statement, so this is not true.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mathieulh:
Yes, it seems like a special MCC lock that is triggered whenever the MCC matches the one in the CSC list. The lock itself can also be unlocked via NCK. So basically when the MCC matches one present in the CSC list it calls some network lock routine. If that lock is set (hasn't been unlocked through a NCK) it will prompt you for the NCK. So you either have to know the NCK (to remove the lock all together) or to remove the MCC list from the CSC. This is done so they can change the MCC list later in updates without having to mess with the baseband's NVM.

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:23 PM ----------

The U.S. MCC isn't in the network lock list so it should work just fine.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] gn0s1s:
Posted to Samsung Canada... Looks to be insta hid. Good thing they want to deal with this issue. Pretty disappointed at this news.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] deeznutz1977:
Here’s Samsung’s vague official statement regarding Galaxy Note 3′s regional SIM lock. http://www.sammobile.com/2013/09/26...t-regarding-galaxy-note-3s-regional-sim-lock/
[Galaxy Note 3 General] :
Thats it no more Sumsung for me
[Galaxy Note 3 General] ccampbell1:
I read the same German statement (via Google translate) on another site this morning too. It's very unclear regarding removing the lock. That could be to do with the Google translation though. Really need a proper German speaker to interpret the original statement I think!
[Galaxy Note 3 General] quailallstar:
And I was thinking of asking Santa for a Note 3 this Christmas. There goes that, not cool Samsung.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Rickdaddy:
This sucks, I was planning on purchasing it here in America and also use it in NZ.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
If you read the official statement it sort of says the same thing Samsung Switzerland said on FB. If you use the device first with a SIM from the selling region it then will accept SIMs from other regions. If that's the case it's a tactic to stop phones from being sold outside their intended region of sale. It's a PIA but far less severe than permanently SIM locking an "unlocked" phone to a specific region. I'd also assume this would be easy to bypass via s/w for those willing to trip their Knox warranty indicator.Samsung's communication of this has hit an all time low; even for them.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Rickdaddy:
I sincerely hope that's the case!
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Netskyliner:
If local samsung partners can unlock Note 3, XDA members will sure do it
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
If you believe what Samsung said you should be fine if you pop a U.S. SIM in it first. Don't take my word for it though. I'd expect a clearer statement from Samsung Global in the next day or two as the media is all over this. Also the U.S. carriers are likely to state their positions (and restrictions) before devices go on sale. Assuming there's any change to their existing policies which allow their devices to be used anywhere once unlocked.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] kersh:
Samsung execs are delusional if they think they have that kind of power to screw the user.

htc did the same closing everything, bootloaders, restricting drivers, etc etc and most of xda moved to samsung, then htc tried to open everything but it was too late.

better they move fast or a lot of people we are not gonna buy anything more from samsung, between nexus phones and more competition each day from lg, htc or sony the can go to fcuk themselves.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
There's a big difference between this and locking the bootloader. Locking the bootloader and voiding warranties for unlocking them pisses off enthusiasts who are said to make up less than 5% of sales.

Samsung's always made it hard to buy devices across regions by denying warranty service on them. This appears to take that policy even further. I'm not defending the policy but it's their right. As long as the policy is clear which it's not in this case. And that assumes that once a device has the correct regional SIM inserted in it that from that point forward it's no longer regionally locked.

My retaliation against manufacturer's policies I don't agree with is to not buy their products.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] boshindo:
I already posted this in another thread but I called US carrier Tmobile and the rep confirmed that the lock would prevent using a non US sim card. I also called the general Samsung customer support number for the US and he seemed to know nothing other than what's on news sites atm.

My current phone still works so I'll just wait and see what Samsung does and research other phones in the meantime.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mingkee:
This is what xda meant to be.

Such practice is enough to kick potential Note 3 users to keep Note 2 or just buy other smartphone (cough...iPhone 5S...cough).

Something worse is, such practice will make business travelers unhappy for not using local SIM traveling from America or Asia (including Middle East) to Europe or other way traveling.

Such practice is enough to stop me from buying Note 3 even I can simply buy in full from T-Mobile US and request unlocked code after trial period.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
I think regardless whether this can be unlocked by using a local sim first, people should not be buying this. Basically it is like the DVD region codes, it prevents people from buying from other regions and thus is in conflict with laws on free trade. By buying this you support and accept being screwed over by manufacturers. :silly:

I for one won't be buying any products that are region locked. :mad:

Now it is Samsung, if people still buy and support this business model, soon others will follow. You have to draw a line somewhere. :good:

Edit:

just got a reply about an email I sent, seems it is Samsung and not the carriers.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] grifter9931:
If any samsung product partners can chime in please feel free to do so.

I think this appears to be a Telecom related power play. The reasoning is simple. $$$$$

Every time you are able to purchase a sim in the country you are visiting they lose $$$$ due to no roaming fee's etc.

Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile etc.

Doesn't make a nickel off any of us when we are able to pop a regional based sim into our phones and go about our merry business.

I have seen this done with a few distributors that I have to work with on certain products. And it's always based on protecting the "Partners Rights and ability to make a profit". I can sight examples, "Wacom & The Fruit Company" off the top of my head.

Samsung only cares about too things, market share and Brand recognition. They are forced to listen to "Partner Complaints or Partner recommendations". This is the kind of things that are discussed on those partner retreats they have once or twice a year depending on your status as a "Silver, Gold, Platinum" or whatever the designation big box players are assigned due to volume etc..
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
Here's the official statement from Samsung Germany (not Samsung Global)...

Some current Samsung products are now provided with a local SIM card lock. This means that devices purchased in the European Union, with SIM cards of mobile operators from Germany and from the European Union and the European Economic Area (the "European region") work as usual.

Users of these Samsung devices can continue to use these together with their SIM card of a mobile operator from the European region via roaming service to appropriate roaming charges to their wireless service provider around the world.

If purchased in the European Union and not yet been put into use to be activated for the first time abroad, users can unlock their device for the region free from local Samsung service partners.

The regional SIM card lock only affects the following Samsung models that are produced from the end of July 2013, and provided with a corresponding sticker:

Samsung GALAXY S III, II, GALAXY Note, GALAXY S4, S4 GALAXY mini and the GALAXY Note 3

Devices that have been delivered by Samsung and are in camps or even at retail are not affected.

Specifically, there is a functionality of the devices with SIM cards of mobile operators from the following countries:

Countries of the European Economic Area (EEA):

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands , Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Switzerland, Croatia

- Non-EU/EEA:

Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Vatican City​

What's bolded isn't crystal clear but could be read to mean that if not activated in the region of sale using an acceptable SIM card first the device can still be unlocked via a Samsung "partner" which could mean a service center or a carrier from another region that's issuing a SIM to be used in the N3.

And as far as we know the regional lock applies to devices Samsung sells directly. Using the U.S. as an example all the devices sold here have unique model numbers and s/w modifications based on carrier specifications. So it's AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and VZW that will set the SIM locking policy on their respective devices just as they always have. And please for the love of God don't post quotes from minimum wage earning CSR's about this policy as the N3's not even on sale yet in the U.S. and I'd bet most don't even know it's coming.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] AcostaJA:
I Only have to say, I'm holding my Note 3 Order, until I have it clear, I use to travel to Spain as to USA (I'm at Latin America), this kind of restrictions was the first reason I moved from iOS to Android (when no std iPhone was Unlocked w/o tricky jailbreaking).

If this kind of restriction is enforced by Samsung and Don't provide an EASY TURN ARROUND W/O TRICKS, smply I'll Get an Unlocked iPhone 5c or S, and some Wi-Fi only Android based Tablet instead an Note 3. What ever the Expense is similar, but FREEDOM IS NOT NEGOTIABLE.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] fonejacker:
Users of Galaxy Note 3 will now face roaming charges in foreign regions which are sometimes a hundred times local sim charges, unless they invest in a separate Mi-Fi unit and only make Skype calls.

Also the resale value of Galaxy Note 3 and any other phones having these new regional lock stickers and restrictions will be severely adjusted if sellers of used phones can only sell in their own regional market.

My advice to everyone having ordered this phone is to cancel their order, or if already delivered today then return it, and wait for future developments.

For those who like the S-pen, like me, then hopefully a boffin finds easy way to bypass the lock, or a seller from a non locked market is able to satisfy demand from business travelers or those simply going on holiday in another region. And in this case can buy it later if and when the issue is sorted.

Conversely If you don't need the S-pen do not waste your time on this phone and buy another brand.

Customer Support at Samsung know less than we do so I would only rely on official and clearly written announcements from a senior Samsung executive before believing anything is solved.

:(
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
I'm like you; I do use foreign SIMs in my phone when traveling abroad. What percentage of people actually do though? I'm guess less than 20%. Of my friends in the U.S. that use their phones overseas the majority rely on their carrier’s voice/data roaming programs. And all my friends with corporate-issued wireless accounts are specifically told not to use foreign SIMs in their devices and to use their carrier's roaming features instead which means those companies would probably welcome this new policy. And how many people in this thread that are up in arms intend to use SIM cards from regions they don't reside in?

I'm assuming that my soon-to-be N3 from AT&T will work with any worldwide SIM once I activate it using AT&T's SIM and get the proper SIM unlock code from AT&T.

When assessing any problem or issue its severity is based on "how many, how often, and to what degree." If in fact 100% of Samsung's future devices are regionally SIM locked, even carrier versions, and can’t be unlocked without tripping the warranty counter then people need to start shopping for manufacturers who have more flexible policies. But if you don't intend to use your device outside your respective region you don't really have a dog in this hunt anyway. Unless you find this issue that may not even affect you so morally reprehensible you'll boycott Samsung on principal.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] artesea:
Assuming this is all CSC, if someone in AUS imported an EU phone from Clove, could they flash it out of the box with an AUS firmware through Odin, then insert their SIM (assuming this is what Samsung are on about with taking the phone to a service centre)? Still leaves the issue with local SIM roaming, but if you don't leave your region, not too bad.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
It is not so much about being able to use your phone abroad, it is more about being able to buy your phone abroad. It is a bit (much) like DVD region coding, they prevent people from playing DVD's from other regions so they can keep the prices high. We as consumers must draw a line and say NO! :mad:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mircury:
That's the way I interpreted their statement too.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] scandiun:
The europe-USA issue could arise if some models work only on CDMA and other only on GSM. You couldn't take them abroad anyway.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
That's 100% what this is about. Samsung never wanted people to buy their devices from either unauthorized resellers or outside the country/region of intended sale.They consider both to be "gray market" and provide no warranty support for either. It's been that way since at least the i9100 that I'm aware of. So the region lock is just further reinforcement of that policy. So anyone who hated Samsung's grey market policy before should loathe it now.

If it turns out the region lock isn't just to ensure the device's first use is in its intended region of sale and in fact permanently prevents the use of SIMs from other regions that's a totally different story. And one Samsung will regret, end up reversing, or both. I'm sure we'll get clarification over the next few days.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
Indeed. And that is why I won't be buying from Sammy anymore regardless whether it can be unlocked easily, like DVD region, I despise companies like this. Especially because they did not inform anybody about it but people found out after they received the phone.....sneaky A-holes. :cowboy:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] AcostaJA:
Is not matter of Frequent travel, is matter of PROPERTY AND ELEMENTAL RIGTHS (as the rigth to use the device YOU OWN as YOU NEED), maybe I Dont Fly Europe this year, I don't know but I I like to Fly Europe or WHATEVER IN THE WORLD, NO STUP1D COMPANY MUST DENY MY RIGTH TO USE MY STUFF THAT NO CARRIER SUBSIDIZES THE WAY I WANT, JUST LIKE THEY MARKETING DEPARTMENT WANNA SAY US, NO, THEN I SAY SAMSUNG NO (I SUGGEST MY FRIENDS DO THE SAME, A GLOBAL BOICOTT AGAINS ANTI-FREEDOM WE PAID

FULL

FOR FREEDOM, NOT FOR CONTROL)
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Chahk:
The disclaimer mentions that Galaxy S4 is also restricted in the same way. Does this include the Google Play edition S4? Is there any way to check if your phone is region-locked? (Besides travelling to UK and trying to use a local SIM that is.)
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Peter Unger:
I have a GE version from the US but use a German SIM card without any problem. Unfortunatelly i do not know, when the device was produced.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Eddiemc:
I think you might be onto something Barry, it seems almost surreal for Samsung to permanently lock a phone in a region. Hopefully it's just a matter of "unlocking" the phone using a simcard of the place of purchase, or pay a fee to unlock a phone purchased somewhere else, to make it work. I guess that would be the middle line between royaly screwing customers and protecting their own stuff (getting some extra money for grey imports). Not too nice, but a lot more understandable that fully blocking other regions permanently. I have my fingers crossed..
[Galaxy Note 3 General] DjeMBeY:
Hmmm... Interesting... I've checked my S4's CSC (using XXUDMI1) and it's not funny, same sh*t, a list of restricted MCC's (38 of them) ?? My phone was factory unlocked and I can use all UK SIM card's but I don't have any NON-EU SIM for testing :(
[Galaxy Note 3 General] shin lucifer:
Thats about the only info that is comforting, in light of N3 Regional lock. So i am hoping we will be able to unlock it just have to pay for it abit... I just hope i am not just being overly optimistic. Off-course we

cant

forget boot loader being locked and knox BS.... But i have faith in XDA community.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] AcostaJA:
I think it's related with Carriers as With Euro Distributors, an Galaxy S4/N3 purchased in America (from Alaska to Patagonia still IS AMERICA) and Shipped to Europa its much Cheaper, as the Note 3 now sells "unlocked" for 750$ same device at FRANCE costs 750€ about 25% Extra, At Europe Price is Tagged as 1:1 €:$ "parity" what actually is an "standarized deceit" against european customers
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mathieulh:
Try to flash a modified CSC with the region lock enforced for your MCC and see what happens. My galaxy s4 is on an older firmware so I can't check.

I think it needs both the CSC and NVM locks set to enforce it though so if your galaxy s4 is "old" the lock may not happen.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
Good lord. I've never understood people getting so emotional about a mobile device. There are at least a dozen manufacturers that compete with Samsung. If Samsung's policies piss you off show them how much you disagree with them by buying someone else's device.

Samsung's projected to sell 250M mobile devices this year. There are 5.2M XDA members. If every XDA member boycotted Samsung and got two of their friends too also that would be equal to less 10% of Samsung's annual sales. In other words, no one here can reverse Samsung's policies. I don't necessarily agree with those policies (especially if the region lock turns out to be permanent vs. one-time) but if I'm going to go all Norma Rae on an issue there are tons of more pressing social injustices I'd take up. It's just a phone.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] AcostaJA:
Rodney King was only ONE MEN, and look what they rigths violations provocated.

Never Understimate the Cascade Effect of the One Men Action, specially when millions share they cause.

Samsung Spends 4.5B$ annual in advertising, just to clean her brand against for her past sins (apple case), this will not help, and now I've read about adozen blogs worldwaide and its the same News "SAMSUNG REGION LOCKING THE NOTE 3".

Samsung executives isn't Kmikazes, if Tech Media Presures, They Will Turn Back.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mathieulh:
I have set my own MCC (208 ) in the CSC network lock list on my galaxy s4. It had no effect whatever. Either my firmware is too old or NVM lock needs to be enforced as it probably is on the Note 3
[Galaxy Note 3 General] ElBeaner:
Not sure if this has been posted but

http://androidcommunity.com/samsung-regional-sim-card-locks-explained-20130926/
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Rickdaddy:
If I'm able to just pop in a T-Mobile sim card ( I will be using a T-Mobile one) and then later on down the road have it "unlocked" to use for different countries for my travels then I'm fine with their decision (them requiring you to first use the sim card in the region you bought the phone from).

If it's completely region locked, I'm going with the Nexus 5.

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 PM ----------

THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!!! :good:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mathieulh:
Except some people have been using the European SIM before switching to the one from abroad and the lock was still enforced. Until I see otherwise I am going to assume that this "activating" business is nothing but PR bull****.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
Did you seriously just compare regional locking to racial profiling and civil rights abuse? If the N3 was a living person attacked by the system in place to protect him/her I'd be right there with you. And Rodney King and the minorities in LA didn't have a dozen alternatives to the LAPD to choose from like you and those up in arms with Samsung do. Want to send Samsung a message? Don't buy their products. If enough people agree and do the same thing it'll (most likely) change their behavior. Buying their products and starting petitions after the fact won't. They survived the "#samsungneveragain" campaign over the i9000 borked GPS just fine.

---------- Post added at 02:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:45 PM ----------

First, thanks to you and [MENTION=4398524]DjeMBeY[/MENTION] for actually diving in to the code to figure out what's going on. Can you be sure from what you have access to that the region lock isn't just one time and that after using a correct regional SIM that the lock's not removed so people can be region free? I'm not challenging you I'm just really interested. I don't fully understand the conversation that you and [MENTION=4398524]DjeMBeY[/MENTION] have been having but it seems there's some stuff you guys don't have access to (yet) in order to make a complete and final assessment.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] non1oson:
have we any DEV guys with their mits on the note 3 yet? working some magic? still contemplating whether or not I want to support samsung because of this
[Galaxy Note 3 General] grifter9931:
lol,

Some folks are going all

"William Wallace"

with this SIM lock restrictions...

I can actually hear " Freeeeeedommmm" echoing in some of these threads...

I heart all of you guys & gals

[/COLOR]
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Big_Drew:
Read the link more carefully.

You can't use a local prepaid SIM from another region, unless I'm interpreting that incorrectly.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] ekerbuddyeker:
I think it's pretty clear from what we have read... Just my opinion...

You have to start with the appropriate SIM for the region your phone was designed for, the first time you use the device.

Then after that you can get it unlocked and use another SIM?

Its just a way for Samsung to defeat the gray market... but I'm sure someone will figure out a simple way to defeat this feature.

Perhaps Clove and others should ship the device WITH a local SIM installed? Or perhaps they should open up the box and turn it on ("activating" it) with the appropriate local SIM card, then ship it to the buyer ready for unlocking?

I guess time will tell...
[Galaxy Note 3 General] AcostaJA:
THe WHOLE IDEA about REGION LOCKING (so then you can unlock then with local activation) IS THUMB AS THUMBEST.

1- If ther is a way to overcome that locking, MEANS GRAY MARKET STILL OPEN., despite if they need to open boxes, power on, etc, or just warn the customer about the procedure...)

2- I Don't know the estimate money Samsung may profit with This $hit, but as LOSES ON IMAGE ARE BIG. an Big Arguement to purchase a Samsung Galaxy (since the I ) was how EASY WAS TO UNLOCK THEM, THIS WILL TAKE CUSTOMERS TO OTHER BRANDS, SPECIALLY HTC, SONY and APPLE.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] non1oson:
this I like, I would be happy for handtec to open it, slip their sim card in. activate and then send to me in NZ so I can use it with my NZ sim card.