Many websites claim to unlock the SOV33 remotely using your IMEI. After writing this guide for "sony sov33 lock remove ftf better," I must warn you:

With FTF, you are not asking au for permission. You are telling the phone to ignore the lock.

There is a significant distinction between Bootloader Unlocking and SIM (Network) Unlocking. The FTF method is interpreted differently for each:

A. Bootloader Unlocking (The "Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No" Issue) Many SOV33 units from au have the bootloader permanently locked in the firmware (TA partition).

B. SIM/Network Unlocking

Warning: This process wipes device data unless you take specific precautions. Back up important files first.