why do so many people ask for an unlock code for their phone?

The shop asks you to pay because they have the code and the software needed to unlock virtually any phone. It's a lot of trouble to unlock a phone and most people would rather just pay a small fee.

Unlock is needed to use a different SIM than the one that came with the phone if the original service provider locked the phone to that SIM. In the U.S., most services do this because they want you to stay with their service. In many countries the service does not lock any phones and you can simply buy a SIM to put in the phone and use a prepaid card to add payment for service time. It makes sense for a traveler to have an unlocked phone and get service in any country via a new SIM and a prepaid card.

For nokia's you have to go into the programing to get the banner changed and you need the unlock code for that, otherwise it's just so they can try to use their old phone on a new network!

What it does is let you use any sim card from any cell coverage provider. if you have a t mobile simcard and the phone is locked/only supported for verizon you get the phone unlocked and can use the cingular or any other services simcard.

they have the criminal precise to ask, you've the criminal precise to refuse, yet they actually have the criminal precise to punish you for not giving it to them. once you went to college you agreed to their words, which in major points someplace you'll come across a school has the right to seek any resources of yours at any time. you could also come across a clause about cell phones. you should teach them in the journey that they ask and failing to take action can outcome in detention, suspension, expulsion, etc.

It`s only because then they aren`t tied to just one network and can use multiple SIM cards.

because so many phones are stolen.. or just the same found and kept

Those phones are nicked.

We ask because we wan't to know. Durrr.