I have no idea about hardware block, but yes i have used another provide 3 years ago and now I am trying a new one. But my current provider is not helping to fix the mag issue. How can i check about hardware lock.Are you sure that your portal isn’t hardware locked from another provider if you’ve previously used one.
Same as Fez has said you can easily install stb emu pro and imitate the mac of the mag box on stb emu pro so you wouldn’t have to buy a new sub just a new device there is a guide on Google that shows how to set up stb emu pro and is pretty straight forward