@ djmagnifique
As you say, with modern handsets the code information is in the firmware.
So the software used needs a cable/clip and an interface box.
Then the firmware is read and processed so that the PC software can calculate a code.
But that is a different kettle of fish.
The guys on the web will supply codes remotely. They just need to know the IMEI, handset and network. So there's something different going on here.
It's difficult to find out about this subject. If you type 'unlock mobile phone' into Google you get 290,000 hits. That's everybody and his dog offering to sell subsidy codes!
