Apple Cracks Down On iPhone Unlockers

An anonymous reader writes "It looks like Apple and its wireless operator partners have finally figured out a way of cracking down on iPhone unlockers by making it a requirement to sign up for a contract before you can get your hands one. "It's obvious why this has happened though. This method means you're tied into a contract, or you're paying O2 and Apple a massive wad of cash for the privilege of owning a 3G iPhone. We're disappointed about this decision, but it does make business sense." Both ATT in the US and O2 in the UK are implementing the new activation system on July 11th, when the iPhone 3G goes on sale."

Comments

This makes sure the new iPhone is NOT CHEAPER.

[BoldAC]

The contract lock-in insures that the new iPhone is more expensive than the last.

If you do the iPhone math, the new phone will cost you more than the older phone despite the "half the price" ad campaign.

If AT&T really drops free sms, it'll cost even more.

I don't mind paying more. However, for somebody like me not in a G3 area, why should I have to pay the G3 transfer higher prices?

Re:Correction

[elrous0]

If Apple cared about ethical behavior towards us, they would also offer an unsubsidized version for consumers at a higher price. Since they refuse to do that, why do we owe them anything?

Re:Correction

[God'sDuck]

Or you get the contract and immediately resell it on one of the contract trade sites: http://www.google.com/search?q=trade+cell+phone+contract

You need a contract

[DrYak]

We'd be much better off if mobile phones were sold as items like computers or telephones, without contract, and the phone companies concentrated on providing a good service, instead of 'adding value' by gimping phone software, charging insane amounts for data, or tying users into long term contracts. None the less, you still need a contract with some GSM or 3D operator to be able to use your phone. Otherwise, you'd be buy an iPod Touch instead.

So while you're at it, as you'll be buying a phone and a contract anyway why not the phone company giving you some rebate as they're going to make wads of cash from the monthly fee any way ?

The only current problem with the iPhone is that they have exclusive contract with some service providers.

Whereas, in several European countries (including here in Switzerland, but also mandated by law in France as reported recently on /.), you just buy whatever phone you want from the shop. Either you pay the phone full price. Or, if you sign a new contract or extend a previous one, that contract's provider gives a N$ rebate, to be used with whatever phone you choose to buy simultaneously in the same shop. The amount of rebate depends on the contract you picked up.

The two aren't even bound together (the phone was just taken from the shelf) and nothing forces you to use this contract and this phone together (you could cheaply get and extra handset by extending your own current contract and give the phone as a present to you S.O.)

Some service providers have their own shop which may sell some special package with a "special edition phone" (= read : the provider logo on the phone's shell, 1 additional customized screen background and ringtone, and some preinstalled crap that you won't use at all).

But in most shops and malls, you just pick up the phone you want, and eventually the contract you want from the provider of your choice.

The idea of subsidizing phone with provider contract isn't stupid. It's the complete lack of choice for those contract that is debilitating.

Just what ethical duty is that?

[thefinite]

And exactly what ethical duty to us would they be upholding by offering an unsubsidized, contract-free iPhone?

I'm curious to hear your answer because, while the grandparent was right about the ethical duty of fulfilling a contract you agree to, I don't think Apple owes an ethical duty to us that would require them to offer an unlocked phone.

Re:Correction

[molarmass192]

Italy does not have an "exclusive" carrier agreement. Also, France does not allow a phone to be sold only when tied to a contract. In fact, I think France forbids the selling a phone without an unlocked option. There's also some similar weirdness in Germany. So, regardless of what Steve said alluded to in his presentation, not much will change wrt the current iPhone options in Europe.

Re:Correction

[eiapoce]

You can also cancel your contract and keep the phone by paying a $175 termination fee. Since the new models are $200 cheaper than the old models, the new phone is still cheaper than the old one that cost $400. Are they unlocking the terminal after the cancellation? Otherwise it's not like you really own it afterwards...

Three words: "Nokia N800 series"

[paco verde]

The iPhone alternative (for freedom lovers)

"This article explains how to get an even better mobile Internet experience, without having to do business with either AT&T or Apple--with no contracts and no $60 per month bill just to surf the Net."

(Surveillance State blog)