Q: Unlocking from network

I understand the network it was provided by needs to unlock it, but they are being a nightmare.

My friend gave me the phone. I have spoken to Orange to get it unlocked, they said my friend had to request it. My friend has requested it, they keep saying its done and have sent an email saying to restore it however it has not been unlocked.

Numerous calls to orange have come to no avail.

ANY way around this at all? Getting super annoyed now!