NTT DOCOMO to remove SIM Lock from new cell phones, will provide FOMA cards and micro SIM cards

NTT DOCOMO has announced that customers may request to have the SIM lock capability removed in principle from any DOCOMO wireless device newly marketed on or after April 1, 2011. 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.

To have SIM lock removed, the customer must take their device to any docomo Shop in Japan and sign a waiver acknowledging that certain services and features of the device and network might be disabled when another operator’s SIM card is used. The unlocking fee is 3,150 yen (tax included).

Also from April 1, DOCOMO SIM cards (“FOMA cards”) and micro SIM cards (“docomo mini UIM cards”) will become available on a subscription basis for people who wish to use a non-DOCOMO device on the DOCOMO mobile network or a different SIM card in their DOCOMO device. The cards will be free and customers will pay normal subscriber fees. People wishing to obtain a SIM card also must visit a docomo Shop with their mobile device.

DOCOMO devices may not operate with certain non-DOCOMO SIM cards even after SIM-lock removal, and certain non-DOCOMO unlocked devices may not operate with a DOCOMO SIM card. Basic compatibility can be confirmed when people visit any docomo Shop.