Hey Jock.... it may be that your iPhone also required software unlock...? if this is the case we have missed the opportunity to unlock iPhone.....your only chance is to obtain/purchase a factory unlock...your iPhone will originally be from O2,Vodafone,3,or Tmobile. Find out which was the original network provider and request a Factory unlock direct from them(a charge may be involved)......failing that try your luck with many online unlocking services... GoodLuck..
Ref what you said above i have a few questions.
1. Why would my phone have required software unlock, what would have caused this ?
2. Could i try reinstalling the custom firmware i made, if this does not work could i try to upgrade through itunes to ios6 and wait for the untethered jailbreak to come out, would any of these perhaps get my service back ?
3.what would i tell orange that i need it unlocked for what could i say?
4. These online services you mention are there any in cydia that would do the job?