Locking and unlocking a device

Excuse me if I shouldn't ask this kind of question.

Most of us have come across devices that are locked to a certain service provider. For example, a ADSL modem handed out at no cost to its subscribers for Internet connection by ISP. For another example, a Linksys locked PAP2 ATA so that the users can only use it in conjunction with a specific Voip service provider.

I do not know how the lock was first created. I believe some people can unlock them and re-sell them through ebay, although they will not mention it. You are tempted to buy them at cheaper than original price and they give you money back if they do not work.

Assume I bought an originally locked device from people who managed to unlock it. My question is: should I factory reset this device?

I raised this question because my concern are:
- after I factory reset it, will the device become "locked" again?
- after I factory reset it, will any firmware upgrade done after it left the factory be removed? If yes, I wonder if firmware upgrade is still possible as I am not sure if the manufacture will support them (since it may have been 'modified')

If you are against of buying any originally locked device from people who lock it then excuse me for asking.

Thanks for viewing.

Your question is in a gray area for sure...

When in doubt- don't reset it or update the firmware;)

And in the example of the modem - don't use it with the same ISP. Odds are they'll recognize the MAC address as one of theirs....

And if you use a modified modem, expect to get banned for life.
Comcast and AT&T are good for that.

Yes I know someone who tried it.

For technical sake, putting aside legal and moral issues.

There is No general answer to this question.

It depends on the specific device and on whatever, and or whoever it is expected to work with.

I.e., you are wasting you time and money on such an adventure.


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