Find a person/company who unlocks cellular phones (Nokia), for a
reasonable
price in Palo Alto, CA area. I am not sure what the service is most
commonly called, maybe also un-restricting, reprogramming or
unblocking...

If you are the legitimate owner, you service provider should be able to help you.

I can't provide an answer for you, but there was a similar question
here a while back, with some background information on how unlocking
works and what your options are:

https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=39058

Hi,

The unlocking techniques vary from model to model. With the early
Nokias, all you need is a Data Cable and some very easy to use
software. With later models, you need a Flasher Cable and some more
complicated software; with the latest Nokias, you require both the
Data and the Flasher cables.

If you (or your agent) doesn't know what exactly he's doing, it's very
easy to screw up the Flash Memory ... and then it's a repair job.

In Europe, it's theoretically illegal for the Service Suppliers to
lock you into using their own network but, of course, they take no
notice.

In response to:

"In Europe, it's theoretically illegal for the Service Suppliers to
lock you into using their own network but, of course, they take no
notice."

This is not true.  There is nothing illegal about it.  I have not run
into a carrier in Europe who does not lock a phone purchased with a
plan to their network.  The difference it is much easier to buy phones
in Europe without a plan that are not locked.  Also it is very easy to
call you provider and claim that you have to use another SIM card in
your phone that is not from their network.  They will usually provide
the unlock codes within a few days. In the US when you change
providers the new provider will usually provide information about
unlocking your phone, or at least switch your phone to their network.

Agreed that, in the UK, Service Providers do not lock mobiles that are
supplied on contract but they lock all 'Pay as You Go' phones, largely
because they are supplying the handsets at a discount.

In the UK, some Service Providers will unlock a phone as a chargeable
service;  but others also claim (untruthfully) that 'it can't be
done'.

Consequently, many 'hackers' offer an unlocking service, typically @
around £10.

Users often have good reason to change their Service Provider because
coverage varies from Network to Network and it's very frustrating for
the guy who buys a mobile and then finds that it doesn't work
satisfactorily for him.

I am the legitimate owner of the phone, but my service provider
(Cingular) said they can do nothing to help me with this. THEY
actually recommended me to find a person who specializes in unlocking
phones... That's what I was trying to do here. My problems got
started, when I broke my phone and Nokia replaced it with a brand new
one (because I had warranty), but the new phone says it's
"restricted", no matter what SIM card you put in it.

Which model of Nokia phone have you got?

Nokia 8390

Here's a Canadian company that's advertising a postal service for
$39.99 (presumably Canadian).

See:

http://www.omegacell.com/content/ContentUnlockingSrv.htm

I searched for "nokia 8390" unlock.

Regards

Bryan

Although I am knowledgeable regarding unlocking blocked cell phones I
can't and won't share it here but I can suggest a possible solution
since your service provider permitted you to find someone
knowledgeable or a specialist regarding your problem.

"I am the legitimate owner of the phone, but my service provider
(Cingular) said they can do nothing to help me with this. THEY
actually recommended me to find a person who specializes in unlocking
phones..."

The Philippines (or perhaps most of SE Asia)is a place where you can
find hundreds who specialize in the cellphone trade. Since it is
obvious that you don't have any intention to travel far, I suggest you
ask within the Filipino or any Asian community in your area. There is
a good chance that you will find someone who has the knowledge. Good
luck!

I would argue that the REAL experts on unlocking are in Eastern Europe
... These are the guys who produce much of the unlocking stuff.

It is actually very simple (a proverbial 2 minute job) - if you know
what you are doing and you have the right kit.

With the latest models, this includes writing a patch to a segment of
the flash memory. However, if you get it wrong, you will totally screw
up the flash memory.

Therefore (whoever attempts it) should take a full backup of the flash
memory before doing the unlocking ... just in case.

If your 'expert' should screw up the flash memory then it's a Service
Centre job and the Service Centre might re-lock the handset.

It's worth shopping around.

You can get it done free at 

www.uniquephones.com/unlock/

John

You can Unlock your phone today instantly (without waiting a second)
On www.cingucell.com...
I know for sure that this is a legal thing to do in the USA & Also in the UK...
It's your phone & nobody can prevent from unlocking your phone...

Go now to: WWW.CINGUCELL.COM