CPE-PRO (H112-370) - permanently locked? Need help please

Hello all,

I’ve just bought a second hand H112-370 (CPE PRO). It arrived and on boot turns out it is locked to a network I don’t use (Three UK). I don't have contact with the seller. Additionally, there is a screen which pops up saying SIM Code Lock, Remaining attempts: 0.

If I get a new PAYG Three sim, pop it in, can I request an unlock code immediately from Three? Or is this router considered permanently locked to Three?

I am more or less technically savvy, and could try to unlock it myself if anybody knows if something like a V5 unlocker would work on this unit and not brick it? If so, any tips?

Thanks for any advice!

Popping this here in the hope it could help someone in a similar situation in the future. A kind redditor offered the following advice, so I will sadly have to return the item and look for an unlocked one:
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Three lock their 5G routers and then use up the lock codes.

They usually provide the code, however you cannot enter it. The device needs to go in for service to reset the count, and if that involves replacing the board then you will be charged for it.

What happens if you do a factory reset on it?

In reply to a post by pluralist:

What happens if you do a factory reset on it?

If the unlock counts are 0 then there is nothing let you can do except replace the hardware. Its a write once ROM that is now exhausted. Essentially a copy protection system.

I believe Ofcom have rules against this for phone handsets starting next year (?) but no idea about data devices.

OK

The 5G routers that Three provide are only loaned to the customer and must be returned when the service is ended. Ownership of the device never transfers to the customer, even if the customer pays a non-return fee. I assume they can continue to lock their own property if they want, to deter theft.

https://www.threebroadband.co.uk/help/account-and-bi...

Interesting. The exact same router as provided under contract with Vodafone are yours to do as you wish at the end of contract. I sold mine on eBay. Handy money

Popping back again for a further update:

Got an unlocked version from the same retailer. Popped it on the network, mostly worked fine at first. It seems to get funny about ipv4, shutting off 5G randomly if anything tries to use ipv4, so I have it set to use only ipv6 (it sits in front of a LAN with other routers etc and another fibre connection (don't ask why...very long story)). I also had to shoehorn the whole LAN into ipv6 otherwise the 5G would shut off and revert to 4G.

Having had one in Vodafone guise, there was some latent weirdness in the firmware, especially if trying to manually ‘force’ the box to use 4G (or 5G) in preference to allowing it to choose the best connection. This was set using the Huawei Android app. Leaving it vanilla/alone it was fine. I never had any issues with IPv4 though.