AT&T To Unlock Out-of-Contract iPhones

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AT&T To Unlock Out-of-Contract iPhones

Posted by timothy on Saturday April 7, 2012 @01:57PM from the with-great-reluctance dept.

NicknamesAreStupid writes "Many outlets are reporting that AT&T will allow owners of iPhones whose contracts have expired to unlock their devices. One might think that a call or a quick trip to their local AT&T store would do the trick, and they do provide this service to people who are currently under contract with a newer phone and want to use their older one. However, AT&T has never made anything free to be easy, and this may not bode well for former customers who offer no profitable revenue. For example, when AT&T bought Bell South, they were ordered by the court as part of the acquisition to offer $10/month 'DSL lite' service. The maze in their website which led to this opportunity is now a story of legend. Will the key to this unlocking the iPhone be as byzantine for former customers?"

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AT&T will unlock the secrets by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 13:58 · Score: -1

of my mom's ballsack!
1. Re:AT&T will unlock the secrets by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 14:01 · Score: -1
  
  I love to fuck your mom in the ass. Something about the sound of her balls and cock flopping around gives me a hard-on that won't quit.
2. Re:AT&T will unlock the secrets by thechemic · 2012-04-10 05:44 · Score: 1
  
  I worked for AT&T for 7 years. All you have to do is call customer service and asks for your unlock code. Why is something so simple blown out of proportion? This isn't a new policy either. It's been in effect for over 10 years that I am aware of.
  
  --
  Let's make like a bird... and get the flock outta here.
My experience by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 14:00 · Score: -1, Troll

AT&T has always been very reasonable with me and I see no reason why this would be any different. Rather than just assume the worse, let's give them a benefit of a doubt before we starting worrying that the sky is falling.
1. Re:My experience by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 15:31 · Score: 0
  
  My uncle felt that way too until I explained to how how AT&T was screwing him over compared to the competition.
2. Re:My experience by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 16:59 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  You are a SEVERE minority. I envy you.
  Maybe you are very young. Or have been lucky enough NOT to need to deal with at&t often.
  Or you might be one of the lucky few who got what they paid for and never had a problem where you needed to talk to at&t.
  The rest of us however... Despise at&t for how confusing, incompetent and evil they can be.
  It's an old hate tho. And after this many decades the fury has changed to depressed resignation when we have to deal with them.
  But just because we're all not still frothing with red hot rage at at&t... Don't believe they've gotten any better.
  We've just gotten tired and worn out with their special brand of incompetent clueless.
3. Re:My experience by BronsCon · 2012-04-07 18:19 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Funny, I've been an AT&T customer (wireless the whole time, intermittently DSL when cable wasn't available and currently U-verse because Comcast blows hard) since 2000 and, while service and device issues arise, AT&T has always been willing to work with me and resolve the issues. Maybe it's because I'm not a dick to the CSRs who are just trying to do their jobs? I treat them with some compassion, explain my expertise and how it relates to the problem at hand, what troubleshooting I've done, provide my suggestion for what the issue is and/or how to resolve it, then ask their opinion. If they ask me for information related to the problem, I provide it. I try to be generally pleasant towards them and, as a result, they spend more time with me, rather than trying to get me off the phone or out of their store. Try it sometime, it works.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
4. Re:My experience by Lumpy · 2012-04-08 00:39 · Score: 2
  
  The incompetence runs deep. From cellular to commercial T1 and data lines. They only hire techs that are color blind or morons. I have had to troubleshoot a smartjack for a tech before because the idiot did not understand how a T1 worked.
  The incompetent runs deep in this one they call AT&T.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
5. Re:My experience by flyneye · 2012-04-08 00:54 · Score: 1
  
  Not only did those crooks *NOT* receive my non-working router with *THEIR* address sticker and Bar Code, but they charged me for the replacement and when I sent that back they did NOT correct the account and they DID put it on my credit report. If I could hurl feces at any human beings, it would be right in the middle of an AT&T board meeting right before I kick the living shit out of each an every one of them!
  
  --
  *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
6. Re:My experience by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 06:20 · Score: 1
  
  So it's their fault the shipper lost or misdelivered the package? I have misdelivered packages all the time and I don't blame the sender; 90% of the time, the shipping company realizes their error, attempts to recover the package, and if that fails, contacts me and the shipper to obtain some proof of the value of the items in the package, then cuts the sender a check for the amount, which is then either refunded to me or used to ship another box of whatever I ordered. The other 10%, I have to contact the sender and they have to file a claim, but the rest of the process is the same with the shipper cutting a check and me getting a refund or another shipment.
  It sucks that you chose not to suppliment the prepaid UPS label with insurance (yes, UPS will let you add insurance to a 3rd party prepaid label, I have done so), as that would have covered the replacement cost. It also sucks that you didn't request the return label, with the correct address, when returning your replacement; returns is a different physical facility and things can take some time to transfer between facilities, if they do at all. It probably ended up on a "we don't know what to do with this or why it came back to us" shelf, where it sat for 6 months until nobody claimed it and it was either discarded or added back into their inventory. If you never called for a return label for it, there would be no record stating that it was coming back and why, and if you sent it back to the address that shipped it, they would have no clue why they were receiving it, nor would they know to forward it to the proper location; what would you do with it, in that case?
  So, what you're saying is you want AT&T to eat the cost of equipment you returned to them uninsured (that insurance is to protect you, the sender, not them), then magically know why their shipping facility (NOT their returns facility in a physically different location) received a piece of equipment from you (hell, even if they assumed it was a return and contacted that facility, they'd have heard back "nope, no record of it here, not for us"), and just remove those items fro myour bill? And you didn't pay the bill in the interim (this isn't a credit card where they legally have to temporarily reverst the charges during a dispute), so they couldn't send it to collections after 90 days of being uncollectable, after which they're legally required to charge off the debt. Were you screaming at the CSRs thw whole time you dealt with them, as well? The tone of your post indicates that as a strong possibility. Had you been cordial, at the very least, and non-argumentative with the people you're asking to help you, this may have gotten resolved within that 90 days; had you paid the bill, just in case, it definitely would have been resolved eventually. Yes, they have some arcane equipment tracking practices that their shareholders don't want to pay to improve upon, and yes that does cause problems like the one you describe, and yes, the CSRs are human and will instinctively do less to help you and more to get you off the phone quickly if you treat them like shit.
  What's funny is I have 3 DSL modems and 2 routers sitting here that AT&T didn't want back (from previous installations at various addresses), so maybe my experience doesn't jive with yours simply because, as far as I've ever known, AT&T doesn't want these things back, or charge for them when not returned, so maybe I'm simply questioning the veracity of your story?
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
7. Re:My experience by flyneye · 2012-04-08 08:34 · Score: 1
  
  Prepaid POSTAL service.
  and as a matter of fact it's the doinky little 2701ng-b with a range of 10 feet and a price tag according to them of $175. The same 2wire garbage I can get at Best Buy for a couple saw-bucks.
  I tried to talk to the bastards over and over with the promise they'd look for it. I told them about the other one too in it's prepaid fucking box.
  I want AT&T to eat SHIT and the cost of the system.
  Yes now we are on the same page.
  
  --
  *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
8. Re:My experience by Timinithis · 2012-04-08 09:18 · Score: 1
  
  Well, I moved out of country, and converted my old 4S into a Go-Phone for when I was back in the States. I just called and while the customer service routed initially to the pre-paid side, I was transferred over to the contract side and 15 minutes later, as the person had to keep referring to procedure and bring up screens, I was given a case number and told that the code should be updated and I can unlock by April 16. Currently things are taking 24-48 hours, but hey, I am out of the country and not in a hurry.
  All in all, a very positive experience. This time.
  
  --
  Sig? What's a Sig?
9. Re:My experience by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 16:33 · Score: 1
  
  Huh, that's funny, when my MicroCell stopped working, I was advised to head to the nearest device support center, which was just down the street from me, with my defective unit, and pick up a new one. They did not take the defective unit, but they did take a deposit on it and provide a UPS shipping label, with pick-up service, after asking me if I wanted to opt for the insurance (which I declined at that time, but later added when scheduling the pick-up time with UPS).
  Both phones I ordered from att.com came UPS, as well, and an RMA on a Blackberry device, handled through AT&T, was done via UPS, as well. All of this was spread out over the last 10 years or so, as recent as 6 months ago.
  When did they start using USPS, the more expensive, slower option and when did USPS start offering third-party prepaid shipping labels? Yes, I know you can print your own labels online, but those are first-party only.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
10. Re:My experience by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-09 04:23 · Score: 0
  
  I've never had a problem with AT&T either. I've been a wireless customer since the first iPhone. I do hate their policies, such as not unlocking iPhones until now, what they've done with people who have unlimited data plans, and the price increases / removal of lower-priced options, etc. But I've never had a problems with my service or customer service.
11. Re:My experience by BronsCon · 2012-04-10 11:51 · Score: 1
  
  Just curious, am I being modded Informative for saying "Comcast blows"?
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
Seriously? by Xacid · 2012-04-07 14:03 · Score: 5, Informative

I've just called customer service, gave them the IMEI, they submitted a request to the manufacturer, and I got an unlock code about 3 days later. There wasn't anything painful other than taking the time to just call. Mind you - I did this as a former customer and this was maybe a couple months ago.
1. Re:Seriously? by Mr.+X · 2012-04-07 15:12 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  AT&T has always unlocked non-iPhones, but the news here is they finally are unlocking iPhones.
2. Re:Seriously? by schnell · 2012-04-07 15:51 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  Yes, AT&T has always unlocked phones except for the iPhone - this was a legacy of their early exclusivity with Apple. Now they unlock iPhones too. It has never been terribly hard from my experience (with two non-iPhones over the past 10 years).
  But remember this is Slashdot. If it the article is about AT&T, Microsoft, Apple or any cableco, the story must be written such that even if the company is doing something good the summary must be negative. I'm guessing there is a step two for Slashdot somewhere and step three is profit.
  
  --
  "95% of all Slashdot .sig quotes are incorrect or completely fabricated." -Benjamin Franklin
3. Re:Seriously? by NicknameAvailable · 2012-04-07 16:14 · Score: -1
  
  This seems less about a forced court order they didn't want to comply with and more about the tyrannical douche-bag Steve Jobs no longer being around to control them.
  Now as to why the article is meant to make them bad when they are in fact bad, but not in this case - I welcome even the craziest of black helicopter touting tin foil hat wearing people to comment on.
4. Re:Seriously? by thegarbz · 2012-04-07 17:07 · Score: 1
  
  they submitted a request to the manufacturer, and I got an unlock code about 3 days later
  Erm... Are you trying to tell me AT&T don't have the software to generate the unlock codes for a phone? You know the software that can be bought on the open market for pretty much every phone and memory stick on ever sold? The software that friendly people will use to generate an unlock code in exchange for some $10 on the shadier forums on the internet?
  The biggest telecom provider in America doesn't have the resources of every other telecom company and a handful of hackers?
  I mean my service provider had an online webpage that worked as an interface to unlock out of contract phones. Just log in, enter a few details, and it sends you the unlock code via text message not 2 minutes later. It's a shame I'm not a conspiracy theorist because otherwise I'd have fun with the 3 days it took you to get your unlock code.
5. Re:Seriously? by quacking+duck · 2012-04-07 17:55 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  All other brand phones are apparently easily unlockable, but officially unlocking an iPhone isn't done with a code.
  It requires a full firmware restore, during which Apple servers are contacted, and confirms that the carrier has updated their records with Apple that your IMEI is now unlocked. If all went well, the Apple server sends the unlock commands to the phone, and when it's done iTunes shows a message confirming you're unlocked.
  I went through this about 12 hours ago when unlocking my old iPhone 3GS. Other than taking a godawful long time, it was pretty seamless--all the previous settings, apps and music were restored automatically.
6. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-07 18:25 · Score: 1
  
  Such software for the iPhone does not exist, in any official capacity that would allow AT&T to use it legally, on the open market. Apple holds on to those unlock codes with an iron fist.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
7. Re:Seriously? by tapspace · 2012-04-07 18:29 · Score: 1
  
  Phone #?
8. Re:Seriously? by tapspace · 2012-04-07 18:38 · Score: 1
  
  I ask as I just called a number I believe should have helped me, but the woman had no idea about this and claimed that AT&T does not have the unlock codes.
9. Re:Seriously? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 20:48 · Score: 0
  
  Apple manage the iPhone policy servers, which keep track of which carrier the iPhone is locked to... or unlocked. Only a request from the carrier will change this system. It works fine with carriers around the world (notably in Europe and and Australia; this has been working fine since 2008).
  AT&T has previously refused to unlock iPhones. They're the ones with the iron fist.
10. Re:Seriously? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 21:08 · Score: 0
  
  Nothing to do with Jobs; iPhones have been unlockable on international carriers since 2008. AT&T have just been jerks.
11. Re:Seriously? by cmdrbuzz · 2012-04-07 22:38 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  It doesn't need a firmware restore on the iPhone. All it needs is the Operator to update Apple's records.
  Once that has been done and you put another SIM-card into the iPhone for a different operator, it will contact Apple's servers and check if the phone is unlocked before allowing that SIM to be used.
  I've done the exact same thing with my 3GS and 4 (with O2 in the UK, but its the same principle)
12. Re:Seriously? by Lumpy · 2012-04-08 00:43 · Score: 1
  
  That is really Wrong.
  I had AT&T sim unlock my iphone back in the 3G days.
  you give them your phone info and they give you a code to enter on the keypad that tells the radio modem chipset to flip off the carrier lock bit.
  There is no "contact Apple servers" BS. That is not how cellphones work. even the iphone and android phones use the exact same radio chipset as a cheapie $3.00 flip phone.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
13. Re:Seriously? by Lumpy · 2012-04-08 00:46 · Score: 1
  
  This is a blatent lie.
  I have and many others have had their iphones unlocked in previous years for international travel. you just need to know what number to call back then. I never called apple, I called AT&T international tech support. they gave me the code after I gave them info and they checked to see if my phone was at least 1 year into contract. He then gave me the code to type into the dialing keypad that unlocked the phone's cellular chipset.
  I know of 7 other people that have done this with iphone 3G, 3GS and a iphone 4.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
14. Re:Seriously? by jo_ham · 2012-04-08 01:29 · Score: 1
  
  Nonsense. The USA is not the world. Non-US carriers have been legally unlocking the iPhone for years. This is just AT&T finally catching up with the rest of the world due to a lot of complaining to Apple HQ by customers who are rightly pissed off that their out of contract (and thus free from subsidy) phone was forever locked to AT&T for no good reason.
  The change came after Apple contacted AT&T about it, so I assume they threatened to offer free unlocks to any customer directly unless AT&T started offering it after contract end, or something like that - neither company wants to threaten its own revenue stream, and Apple values its image above almost all else.
15. Re:Seriously? by Xacid · 2012-04-08 02:16 · Score: 1
  
  https://www.att.com/esupport/main.jsp?cv=820&gnLinkId=s3001
  I want to say I also used their chat to unlock one of them (i've done this more than once - non iphone though).
  Number:
  1-800-331-0500 (don't call from the phone you're trying to unlock, btw)
16. Re:Seriously? by quacking+duck · 2012-04-08 02:46 · Score: 1
  
  It seems you're right, a restore wasn't actually needed. The unlock guy at my old carrier just told me to do that.
  OTOH, we were going to update to the latest iOS anyway, and the friend who bought the phone isn't a techy, so just as well we did it while I was still there.
17. Re:Seriously? by quacking+duck · 2012-04-08 03:03 · Score: 1
  
  It's not "really wrong".
  Even this site, which claims to generate unlock codes for most brand phones, if you try generating a code for an iPhone it takes you to dedicated iPhone unlock page, the info button for the "Unlock type" section says 'Your iPhone's IMEI will be registered as "Unlocked" in Apple's database'. Their FAQ on the unlock says it's a "Remote unlock via cable and software". Nowhere does it mention entering an unlock code.
  Perhaps it's changed since the 3G days, either way they never gave me (and presumably not cmdrbuzz) any code to enter into the keypad.
18. Re:Seriously? by BitZtream · 2012-04-08 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  That is entirely different than a carrier unlock.
  Just because you can use your AT&T phone in Europe doesn't mean you've unlocked it, you're still paying AT&T, you're just not being restricted from using it in Europe. The only reason that restriction exists in the first place is to prevent fraud, not because they don't want you using your phone in Europe.
  Go put in a t-mobile sim card and watch what happens.
  
  --
  Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
19. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 05:55 · Score: 1
  
  Nionsense.
  So, you've read the contracts between Apple and AT&T regarding the iPhone? Or you know people directly who have? Or you know people who work for AT&T to procure the handsets they sell and the software tools to support those handsets? I suppose you know people in all tiers of AT&T support and several store employees, including management, personally and not just through store visits?
  On all but the first of those, I can asnwer affirmatively. Apple may or may not have released the tool to other carriers, but it has not released that tool to AT&T (yet). As such, and as I stated, such tool does not exist in any official capacity that would allow AT&T to use it legally, on the open market. It's in their contract that Apple must be contacted for those codes, though at least one person I know at AT&T tells me they are renegotiating those contracts, in an effort to obtain that tool.
  Everyone always comes down way too hard on AT&T. I mean yeah, sure, they're greedy as all fuck, they're a corporation and they're legally required to be, for the sake of their shareholders. Come off it, already, people.
  No other US carrier wanted to accept Apple's terms for the iPhone, while AT&T was willing to accept them on the further condition that they could be the exclusive source in the US, for a time. Why ask for exclisivity on a product nobody else wants to sell? Because everyone else wanted to sell it, but nobody liked the terms, and if it sold well enough, those terms would become much more appealing. AT&T was the only major US carrier willing to take that risk to bring the iPhone to market here, no other carrier wanted to touch it until after AT&T, the last major US carrier it was offered to, proved that it was a good seller. Meanwhile, all the other carriers who passed on the deal had to complain that AT&T got an exclusive deal after they left the table; any of them could have had the same deal.
  Yes, AT&T does a great number of boneheaded things, at the behest of their shareholders, and their greed is exceptional, again at the behest of their shareholders, but the research they've done and products and services they offer are top-notch. Their customer service is, likewise, top-notch (call when they're open, the India call centers do suck, those are nothing more than a glorified answering service); but then, I'm always pleasant with them and never argue when they request more information pertaining to my issue, and no, I don't always run to people I know there when I have an issue, that's extremely unprofessional and something that is reserved for situations when normal channels fail, something which has not happened yet for me.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
20. Re:Seriously? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 06:08 · Score: 0
  
  Their customer service is, likewise, top-notch
  Are you referring to the labyrinth of menus driven by broken voice recognition software, or the drones who try to sell you something every other sentence even after you've told them you're not interested?
21. Re:Seriously? by jo_ham · 2012-04-08 06:09 · Score: 1
  
  I answered "nonsense" (with a typo) to this:
  
  Such software for the iPhone does not exist, in any official capacity that would allow AT&T to use it legally, on the open market.
  Which really is nonsense, given that iPhones can be legally unlocked on hundreds of different carriers. AT&T may not have anything in their official channels, but to claim that the software/method simply is not accessible to them is nonsense.
  Whether the current situation was down to the legacy of the exclusivity agreement with Apple when the first iPhone came along (although this doesn't seem to have affected other formerly-exclusive carriers in other countries) or some other reason, it really does stand out as an anomaly - especially since AT&T very trivially unlock all other handsets that they support, with minimal hassle.
  (note: I have nothing against AT&T)
22. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 06:24 · Score: 1
  
  To use it legally, the tool would have to be provided to them by Apple. Their contract specifically states that they must contact Apple for the codes, they were not provided the tool. Therefore, such software for the iPhone does not exist, in any official capacity that would allow AT&T to use it legally, on the open market. Note that this is not the same as stating "Such software for the iPhone does not exist, in any official capacity that would allow any carrier to use it legally, on the open market.". On the contrary, I acknowledge that such a tool may exist and have been released to other carriers, but such a tool has not been provided to AT&T as of yet. Read my posts, you might understand them better if you do.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
23. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 06:28 · Score: 1
  
  Whoops, pot meet kettle, I should have read your whole post before replying, and I would have read this gem:
  
  AT&T may not have anything in their official channels, but to claim that the software/method simply is not accessible to them is nonsense.
  Note that I never said they didn't have access to the same methods you and I do. I did, however, state that they don't legally have access to any method other than calling Apple. You do understand what would happen to them if they used the methods you and I currently have access to, contrary to their contract with Apple, right? Let me explain, just in case. Apple would gain a lot of money, AT&T would lose a lot of money and no longer be allowed to sell the iPhone.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
24. Re:Seriously? by jo_ham · 2012-04-08 06:30 · Score: 1
  
  Well, then you followed up with a line about how Apple "holds onto those codes with an iron fist" which is a peculiar statement given that iPhones are being legally unlocked by hundreds of other carriers except AT&T.
  So they hold onto them with an iron fist... from AT&T only?
  Just to check my understanding of your posts, you see.
25. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 06:37 · Score: 1
  
  "These codes" would, indeed, be those assigned to AT&T. I also mentioned that they're in the process of renegotiating their contract with Apple in order to obtain the unlocking tool. It's really easy to (feel like you're) win(ing) an argument if you ignore most of what the other person says, isn't it?
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
26. Re:Seriously? by jo_ham · 2012-04-08 06:42 · Score: 1
  
  All I had to go on was your initial two sentence post. You can get all indignant about me "not understanding" the nuances of your argument all you like, but there actually has to *be* some argument there first. Adding it after the fact and then complaining that I simply don't understand what you meant is cheap.
27. Re:Seriously? by BronsCon · 2012-04-08 06:47 · Score: 1
  
  Except that you're still arguing based entirely on those two sentences, 3 posts later. Had I not provided all of that other information, you would be 100% in the right, here. But, I did.
  Good day to you, sir.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
28. Re:Seriously? by jo_ham · 2012-04-08 06:51 · Score: 1
  
  That was my point - you were getting angsty with with in your first reply that actually contained the meat of your (well reasoned) argument.
  It was what you signed off with dismissively.
  Forgive me for being somewhat facetious in my own replies to that.
29. Re:Seriously? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-09 01:12 · Score: 0
  
  That site is a phone hacker site dude, AT&T has the real info not some scammer/hacker site in croatia. Maybe if you had a clue to the whole thing, you would understand what he was saying. I also had my 3gs unlocked by AT&T when I went travelling outside the USA. and I even had it done when I was still under contract. I had paid my bill early for 8 months straight, so the international help line was happy to unlock me. I entered a series of digits on the dialer keypad.
  Have you ever done a legit carrier unlock?
former customers? by YesIAmAScript · 2012-04-07 14:04 · Score: 4, Informative

Some of us are current customers, just we have had our phone for more than 2 years.
Anyway, I find this ridiculous. Why does AT&T have to wait until the contract is up before unlocking? I already am under contract with an ETF penalty if I try to stop using their service.
So unlock it earlier, like Verizon does.
Hell, stop locking the dang things.

--
http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
1. Re:former customers? by puto · 2012-04-07 14:26 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  I work for ATT and might not agree with some of their policies, the unlocking of the Iphone is a contractual obligation the company has with Apple.
  
  --
  The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
2. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 14:58 · Score: 0
  
  So? Are you saying that AT&T was /forced/ by Apple to do something they did not otherwise wish to do? Just because the two parties made this part of an agreement between them, does not mean it was not mutually agreeable.
3. Re:former customers? by yuhong · 2012-04-07 15:01 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  See this story:
  http://www.cultofmac.com/154873/tim-cook-forces-att-to-unlock-customers-phone/
4. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 15:12 · Score: 0
  
  Depriving you of options is a lot easier and more profitable.
5. Re:former customers? by __aazsst3756 · 2012-04-07 16:27 · Score: 2
  
  That does not pass the sniff test.
  I am sure Apple would love all iPhones unlocked, eliminating the primary reason for jailbreaking. It would also keep old devices in service, giving Apple more "credit cards on file", and active on the iTunes store. In fact I could see Apple requiring unlocking to keep selling iPhones.
  Locking the devices makes it more difficult for the very popular iPhone to work on competitors networks.
  I have no insider knowledge, but locking iPhones only benefits AT&T.
6. Re:former customers? by Lumpy · 2012-04-07 16:37 · Score: 2
  
  If apple wanted that one Ios update later to disable any carrier lock ability and a letter to AT&T's CEO with a "suck it, we just unlocked all iphones world wide and will never lock another iphone again. We are also starting a big advert spread that will make you look like a total scumbag if you do anything but say "thank you for doing this"
  Enjoy that turn in your morning cheerios, we have another one ready about you BS with data caps but will give you 90 days to fix it yourself.
  That would rock. Like ship a new IOS that turns on tethering and tether masking so carriers can not detect it.
  Apple wold win the world overnight and not one carrier would dare to do anything but say... thank you may we have another.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
7. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 16:53 · Score: 0
  
  > I am sure Apple would love all iPhones unlocked
  I am sure Apple loves the substantial kickbacks that the carriers pay them even more.
8. Re:former customers? by thegarbz · 2012-04-07 17:09 · Score: 1
  
  Apple wold win the world overnight and
  then likely cease to exist after then ensuring lawsuits pummels them out of the mobile phone industry.
9. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 17:22 · Score: 0
  
  Anyway, I find this ridiculous. Why does AT&T have to wait until the contract is up before unlocking? I already am under contract with an ETF penalty if I try to stop using their service.
  because people would figure out ways to abuse new phone subsidies... e.g.
  1. upgrade phone, but keep old one
  2. unlock new phone right away
  3. switch sim back to old one
  4. resell new 'unlocked' phone for way more than was paid
10. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 18:16 · Score: 1
  
  Who does this harm? The customer is locked to the carrier by contract, the carriers finance people got work, and the customer got a payday loan.
11. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 18:58 · Score: 0
  
  No, probably, it's that ATT is very confident the world is going to end this year
12. Re:former customers? by cavreader · 2012-04-07 19:02 · Score: 1
  
  It is Apple that enforces the unlocking prohibitions not the carrier.
13. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 20:37 · Score: 0
  
  That's bullshit, Apple allow carriers all around the world the ability to unlock iPhones. AT&T just choose not to.
14. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 20:56 · Score: 0
  
  That's just the line you've been feeding your customers. Hell, you might even believe it. It's not true, though.
  Think about it: What do Apple have to lose if an iPhone is unlocked? Nothing. What do AT&T have to lose if an iPhone is unlocked? Exclusive use of that phone on their network.
  Apple and carriers have been unlocking iPhones since 2008 all around the world. AT&T have simply refused to. It's nice they're finally changing, though.
15. Re:former customers? by bartoku · 2012-04-07 21:26 · Score: 1
  
  We need Tim to take it a step further and force Sprint and Verizon to allow all CDMA capable iPhones on their networks. Hell I would even set aside my Android phone and buy an iPhone to support that!
16. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 00:35 · Score: 0
  
  Lawsuit for what? You cant sue for something t hat is not in a contract, and I will bet that locking a device is NOT in a contract.
  and sorry, but you must not know anything at all about apple or any of the cellular carriers. They have more money than ALL the carriers put together. If they all got together and tried to sue apple at once they would lose.
  Winning in court depends on how much money you have, and apple has a far larger pile than the barely any money AT&T. Sprint and T mobile are homless on the street compared to AT&T. Verizon is the second strongest.
17. Re:former customers? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 01:50 · Score: 0
  
  I thought that there was a technical glitch where CDMA had to be TIED to the carrier, since they do not use a SIM. Not a engineer, but I thought I heard that somewhere.
  Others with more knowledge could explain and prove this wrong.
  From what I know, the AT&T GSM version comes with the CDMA chips inside. The unlocked version (from Apple for $400 more) is a GSM only model. The VW and Sprint models are tied directly to each national carrier.
18. Re:former customers? by djrobxx · 2012-04-08 06:11 · Score: 1
  
  I strongly suspect that the carrier lock feature is described in a functional specification somewhere that Apple and AT&T signed off on when AT&T agreed to subsidize iPhone purchases. Money for lawyers certainly helps win a lawsuit, but they won't win if they're blatantly violating agreements.
  Tethering is a more interesting issue. Apple already went for the jugular with iMessage to bypass text plans, so why would bypassing tether plans be any different? There's even precedent in that almost every data enabled phone I've used going back as far as the Nokia 3650 or the Motorola V551 has had the ability to tether.
  I feel charging to tether is wrong, particularly now that the carriers are selling data in blocks of GB per month. It shouldn't matter how I use my 3GB per month if I've paid for 3GB, I should be able to use it as I see fit.
19. Re:former customers? by Tharsman · 2012-04-09 03:59 · Score: 1
  
  There is at least one sensible reason (even if it does not outnumber the reasons for them to just unlock)
  There are quite a few people out there that don't care that much for their credit history. They will gladly go there, get a phone under contract, then stop paying, have their service canceled and never pay the penalty fee, just walking with their now unlocked phone to some other GSM carrier.
  There are also cases with foreigners and identity theft during the small background check they do to see if they can give you the phone without an up-front deposit. A foreigner can come over and snatch a lot of phones with "contract" only to leave the country and go sell them somewhere else. Such individuals can cost a lot of money to the phone companies.
  The percentage of cases like these are likely small, but the fear is high enough to justify them from inconveniencing every customer,
  Final reason I can think off: the only reason you would need to "legitimately" unlock your phone while still being under contract is if you plan to travel out of the US and buy a prepaid GSM card while there, and as far as they care, they rather overcharge you for roaming than give you that convenience.
  From my perspective, only the last one is a real scumbag reason, even if it can be considered "a reason."
Telus by EmperorOfCanada · 2012-04-07 14:05 · Score: 3, Insightful

I wish Telus in Canada would do the same thing. This whole unlocking thing should be mandated as soon as the contract paying for the phone is done.
1. Re:Telus by NoKaOi · 2012-04-07 14:44 · Score: 2
  
  This whole unlocking thing should be mandated as soon as the contract paying for the phone is signed.
  FTFY. If I want to travel to Europe and drop in a prepaid SIM card while I travel, or if I want to switch phones and sell mine to somebody on another provider, what business is it of theirs? I'm already either paying the same amount monthly, or paying an early termination fee.
2. Re:Telus by Telvin_3d · 2012-04-07 16:18 · Score: 1
  
  Telus does. My father just took a trip to Europe and had Telus unlock his phone first so that he could get a SIM card to use over there. No problem.
3. Re:Telus by Ihmhi · 2012-04-07 16:45 · Score: 1
  
  They shouldn't be locked in the first place, like in Europe.
  
  --
  Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)
4. Re:Telus by thegarbz · 2012-04-07 17:13 · Score: 1
  
  This whole unlocking thing should be mandated as soon as the contract paying for the phone is done.
  Why wait? I mean in my country the phones only come locked in a very limited set of circumstances and can often be unlocked for a small fee.
  I'm in contract with my mobile phone company. If I use my phone with them I pay the phone + my monthly plan. If I don't use my phone I pay the phone + my monthly plan. While I was overseas for 2 months using my phone with another service provider on a pre-paid sim card, I still paid the phone + my monthly plan. Whatever I do with my phone these guys extract $43 out of me every month.
  Where's the incentive to lock?
5. Re:Telus by Fuzion · 2012-04-07 17:18 · Score: 1
  
  This whole unlocking thing should be mandated as soon as the contract paying for the phone is done.
  Why wait? I mean in my country the phones only come locked in a very limited set of circumstances and can often be unlocked for a small fee.
  I'm in contract with my mobile phone company. If I use my phone with them I pay the phone + my monthly plan. If I don't use my phone I pay the phone + my monthly plan. While I was overseas for 2 months using my phone with another service provider on a pre-paid sim card, I still paid the phone + my monthly plan. Whatever I do with my phone these guys extract $43 out of me every month.
  Where's the incentive to lock?
  The incentive is that when you're overseas for 2 months, if you're not unlocked, you'd have to pay roaming charges to your current mobile company to use your phone. Otherwise you'd have to get another phone. Once they unlock it they no longer have that revenue stream. I'm not saying it's right, but I'm just saying that's their incentive.
  
  --
  "Knowledge makes us accountable." - Che Guevara
6. Re:Telus by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 18:58 · Score: 0
  
  Telus does not unlock iPhones.
  Please see: http://www.telusmobility.com/en/AB/Unlock-Device/unlocking_your_device.shtml
  Quote from that page: "*TELUS currently is unable to unlock any version of the Apple iPhone or any other device not listed above."
7. Re:Telus by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 19:07 · Score: 0
  
  are you trying to be funny? I'm in europe and we got carrier locked phones here too
8. Re:Telus by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 19:36 · Score: 0
  
  same ac as above. I forgot to mention, one good thing that have happened in Europe in resent years, is that they have changed regulations so that no contract can lock you in for more than 6 months. I believe that this apply for Internet, cable TV, land line phone and mobile contracts.
9. Re:Telus by thegarbz · 2012-04-07 20:19 · Score: 1
  
  Does any non-business customer every actually pay roaming fees? Serious question. I travel a lot, and so do friends. We've had people overseas with us plenty of times and I've never seen someone with a personal phone actually roam in another country. Given the choice between roaming and not using a phone at all I'd go with the latter due to the simply insane cost.
  For the cost of about 15minutes of conversation or 4MB, yes that's FOUR MEGABYTE of data, you can buy a feature phone in another country, and that's not even the cheapest feature phone I found on the website. Oh best part is the phone comes with about $20 worth of calls which gets you much further than 15 minutes.
10. Re:Telus by delt0r · 2012-04-07 21:29 · Score: 1
  
  Well i have prepay, and i do a lot of roaming in the EU. I pay 50c per min for active talk and 20c for passive. Txt is 13c. Its cheaper than a lot of contracts. Outside the EU it gets pretty expensive, and then just getting a local prepay card is cheaper. However data roaming is still insane even in the EU.
  
  --
  If information wants to be free, why does my internet connection cost so much?
11. Re:Telus by realityimpaired · 2012-04-07 22:31 · Score: 1
  
  You're the one who bought a phone they say explicitly that they "can't" unlock. Everything else they sell, they will happily unlock for you, for a small fee (that's usually greater than just going to gsmliberty.net or a similar site and buying an unlock code).
  Don't bitch about it, when you have a choice with Telus to buy something that they *will* unlock.
12. Re:Telus by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 01:05 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, quite often...I get many calls a week about international roaming. About half are putting an international feature on their phone, the other half are arguing that they "never used their phone" when they get their bill with international charges. In my whole two years I've only once seen a system error that charged someone...all their calls where in the US, except one that came from the middle of Mexico - but he had made a call from the US just minutes before and afterwards...so I removed the charges since it was physically impossible. With our phones you'll know it's roaming internationally when it says something else than AT&T at the top. And yes, international data is very expensive...I often instruct customers on how to disable their data, and educate them to only use wi-fi when overseas.
13. Re:Telus by angel'o'sphere · 2012-04-10 22:26 · Score: 1
  
  If you "buy" an iPhone via a carrier it is locked in europe as well.
  But of you look at the price, it makes more sense (for me at least) to by the phone from apple and just insert an arbitrary SIM (the phone from Apple is obviously not locked).
  
  --
  Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
What about older devices? by RyuuzakiTetsuya · 2012-04-07 14:06 · Score: 3, Insightful

I have a 3GS sitting in a shelf from 2010. Am I eligible for unlocking on this phone?
I'm going to guess no. :(

--
Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
1. Re:What about older devices? by Patent+Lover · 2012-04-07 14:20 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  google "jailbreak oldass iphone"
2. Re:What about older devices? by DarwinSurvivor · 2012-04-07 14:29 · Score: 1
  
  It won't cost you anything to call them and ask anyways (well, unless your phone plan REALLY sucks!).
3. Re:What about older devices? by Myria · 2012-04-07 14:49 · Score: 1
  
  google "jailbreak oldass iphone"
  There is no unlock exploit for the iPhone 3 GS on any recent firmware. (At least, there isn't one that doesn't involve permanently losing GPS functionality.)
  
  --
  "Screw Sun, cross-platform will never work. Let's move on and steal the Java language." - Visual J++ Product Manager
4. Re:What about older devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 14:59 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  Jailbreak != Unlocking
  Jailbreaking is gaining root-level permissions on your phone.
  Unlocking is removing the carrier restriction on the phone, e.g. allowing your ATT branded phone to be used on Verison's network.
5. Re:What about older devices? by yuhong · 2012-04-07 15:03 · Score: 1
  
  Yes it is possible, in fact:
  http://www.cultofmac.com/154873/tim-cook-forces-att-to-unlock-customers-phone/
  Notice the phone involved.
6. Re:What about older devices? by Analog+Penguin · 2012-04-07 16:26 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Except that you can't use a pre-4S AT&T iPhone on Verizon, because Verizon's network is CDMA and all iPhones before the 4S (besides the Verizon 4) were GSM-only. And Verizon won't activate a phone that they didn't sell. The only option for an unlocked GSM iPhone in the US is T-Mobile, and even then you're limited to EDGE speeds because of their weird-ass frequencies.
7. Re:What about older devices? by mr100percent · 2012-04-07 16:28 · Score: 1
  
  AT&T says they'll unlock iPhones that are no longer under contract, to customers who are in good standing. Yes, your iPhone is either out of contract, or you may have upgraded to a newer iPhone. Either way, the 3GS is most likely eligible to unlock
8. Re:What about older devices? by jcr · 2012-04-07 16:29 · Score: 1
  
  >I have a 3GS sitting in a shelf from 2010. Am I eligible for unlocking on this phone?
  Yes. The contract term on that 3Gs has expired.
  -jcr
  
  --
  The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
9. Re:What about older devices? by R3d+M3rcury · 2012-04-07 17:02 · Score: 2
  
  [...] and even then you're limited to EDGE speeds because of their weird-ass frequencies.
  Depends.
  Because of the failed buyout, I guess T-Mo got some frequencies that work with the older iPhone. So, depending on where you are, you may be able to get a 3G signal on T-Mo. But it depends on where you are, etc.
  Besides, who cares about 3G? My iPhone 4S has the 4 Gees and the Wi Fis! (Yes, I know it's bullshit)
10. Re:What about older devices? by Phil06 · 2012-04-07 17:04 · Score: 1
  
  You lose GPS if you unlock, search: iphone unlock gps baseband 06.15.00
  
  --
  "...and yet, I blame society" Duke - Repo Man
11. Re:What about older devices? by Phroggy · 2012-04-07 19:08 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  You lose GPS if you unlock, search: iphone unlock gps baseband 06.15.00
  I'm pretty sure AT&T's official unlocking method won't involve replacing the firmware to trick your iPhone into thinking it's an iPad.
  
  --
  $x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
  $x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
12. Re:What about older devices? by realityimpaired · 2012-04-07 22:35 · Score: 1
  
  AT&T says they'll unlock iPhones that are no longer under contract, to customers who are in good standing. Yes, your iPhone is either out of contract, or you may have upgraded to a newer iPhone. Either way, the 3GS is most likely eligible to unlock
  If you don't owe them anything, your account is in good standing, regardless of whether you're still paying them a monthly tithe.
13. Re:What about older devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 23:27 · Score: 0
  
  So unlocking a GSM Phone transformers it into a CDMA phone...?
14. Re:What about older devices? by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 00:54 · Score: 1
  
  I work for AT&T as a CSR, this was in our team meeting last Friday...yes, it is potentially eligible. It has to meet the following criteria: 1. Completed a two year contract OR be able to prove it was purchased at non-commitment pricing. If you bought it from us at the no-commitment pricing, then we usually have the records so you don't have to prove it...you only need to prove it if you bought it from a 3rd party. 2. Not on an line that has had the phone listed as stolen, as in the original customer has called us and reported it stolen. 3. If your a current customer, your account has to be "in good standing", which usually means no past due, and no recent disconnects or late payments. It wasn't specific in how far back we will check...but I haven't yet read the actual policy.
15. Re:What about older devices? by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 01:07 · Score: 1
  
  It actually involves us submitting a ticket to Apple, because Apple won't actually give us access to the IMIE unlock database...same case with many Nokia phones, when I go to get the code it shows "eligible" but the code is "not found", so I have to submit a case for us to request the codes.
16. Re:What about older devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 01:13 · Score: 1
  
  AT&T's GSM network != Verizon's CDMA network. Not all phones have both GSM/CDMA capabilities.
  How about "Unlocking removes the carrier restriction, allowing you to use the phone on other carriers' networks utilizing the same technology".
17. Re:What about older devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 03:18 · Score: 1
  
  Your AT&T phone will never work on verizon's network. Different cellular standards.
18. Re:What about older devices? by Espectr0 · 2012-04-08 04:45 · Score: 1
  
  ATT's article said "any iphone with a completed contract" so it should work. It even works for on-contract phones where you have payed the ETF.
  
  --
  Open Source Java Web Forum with LDAP authentication
19. Re:What about older devices? by BitZtream · 2012-04-08 05:10 · Score: 1
  
  Yes there is, try again.
  
  --
  Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
20. Re:What about older devices? by DarkVader · 2012-04-08 10:04 · Score: 1
  
  http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/estore/certifieddevice/cd
  They claim they'll activate phones they didn't sell now.
  But yes, the 4S is the first iPhone sold in any other way than as a VZW phone that can work on their network.
  I believe there are a few regional GSM carriers, and some MVNOs that you can use an unlocked GSM iPhone on.
21. Re:What about older devices? by teh*fink · 2012-04-09 07:26 · Score: 1
  
  FWIW, I jailbroke and unlocked my paid off and out of contract AT&T 3GS iPhone, and use it in the EU with basic drop-in SIM "pay as you go" carriers. My still GPS works fine.
  
  --
  "I DARE you to make less sense!"
Obligations by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 14:45 · Score: 0

They will only do as much as they are forced to.
Now that their obligation to the FCC is up, that $10/mo DSL doesn't exist any more. It's now $25/mo. Thanks for the help FCC.
T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by whoever57 · 2012-04-07 14:47 · Score: 3, Informative

T-Mobile will unlock a phone 40 days after it was bought, no need to wait 2 years for the end of the contract.

--
The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
1. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by Nimey · 2012-04-07 16:36 · Score: 1
  
  How much do they charge?
  
  --
  Hail Eris, full of mischief...
  
  E pluribus sanguinem
2. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by whoever57 · 2012-04-07 17:07 · Score: 1
  
  How much do they charge?
  Nothing.
  
  --
  The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
3. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 18:23 · Score: 0
  
  T-Mobile appears to discount their phones less than their competitors. Also their service rates are very competitive, so they just have less motivation to keep a phone locked.
4. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by Nimey · 2012-04-08 01:52 · Score: 1
  
  I must be misunderstanding something, then.
  1) T-M subscriber enters standard 2-year contract, gets standard subsidized phone at a discount which assumes the carrier gets their money back from extra fees over two years.
  2) Subscriber gets phone unlocked after 40 days, for no charge.
  Since you're locked in for the remainder of your two-year contract unless you presumably pay a hefty early-termination fee, I don't necessarily see the advantage of unlocking the phone before the contract's up.
  
  --
  Hail Eris, full of mischief...
  
  E pluribus sanguinem
5. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by voidptr · 2012-04-08 03:20 · Score: 1
  
  If you travel internationally a lot, it's sometimes cheaper to swap in a foreign prepaid sim while out of the country than pay a US carrier for roaming.
  
  --
  This .sig for unofficial government use only. Official use subject to $500 fine.
6. Re:T-Mobile does this for IN-CONTRACT phones by Maow · 2012-04-08 13:37 · Score: 1
  
  T-Mobile will unlock a phone 40 days after it was bought, no need to wait 2 years for the end of the contract.
  Wind Mobile Canada (also using AWS bands) does this too, but after 3 months.
Counterproductive by benjfowler · 2012-04-07 14:50 · Score: 1

What would the telcos have to gain by not letting out-of-contract customers unlock their phones?
It would seem pointless to needlessly piss off your customers, especially when the phone in question is hopelessly obsolete in any case.
But then expecting big business (and the dickish, mediocre MBA types who run them) to see beyond the end of their noses -- and actually do something to not antagonise their paying customers -- is probably also a big ask.
1. Re:Counterproductive by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2012-04-07 16:24 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  "We're the phone company. We don't have to care."
2. Re:Counterproductive by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 01:09 · Score: 1
  
  It's not our policy, it's Apple's. If it was up to us it would follow the same policy as everything else...Apple has many iPhone-specifc policies...like they won't let us waive Iphone activation fees, and they get to actually audit our adjustment logs to see if we have!
Still have a contract tho by nurb432 · 2012-04-07 14:52 · Score: 2

I have a contract on a new phone, but id still like to unlock my old phone, 'just because its mine' ( and the subsidy has long since been paid off ). Wonder if they will do it. ( 3GS )

--
---- Booth was a patriot ----
Story of legend? by Bieeanda · 2012-04-07 15:15 · Score: 2

Tsk. I was expecting something at least as maddening as spending an hour trying to cancel an AOL account, or involving disused lavatories filled with leopards.
1. Re:Story of legend? by FishOuttaWater · 2012-04-07 15:44 · Score: 1
  
  In fact, AT&T's website is always labyrinthine, especially if you have cell, land line, and DSL. This stuff is par for the course with them.
2. Re:Story of legend? by girlintraining · 2012-04-07 16:36 · Score: 1
  
  I was expecting something at least as maddening as spending an hour trying to cancel an AOL account, or involving disused lavatories filled with leopards.
  Taxes are due in 8 days. You still have a shot at getting your wish.
  
  --
  #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
3. Re:Story of legend? by pushing-robot · 2012-04-07 16:36 · Score: 2
  
  But...but...you had to click a link! And enter your phone number A SEEEECOND TIIIIIME!
  /me rattles heavy chains menacingly!
  /me shakes chains some more.
  /me feebly quivers them a bit.
  Okay, I admit it; Slashdot "Stories of Legend" aren't quite what they used to be.
  
  --
  How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
oh, you were at the table for the negotiations? by YesIAmAScript · 2012-04-07 15:23 · Score: 1

Or did you just hear that at work?
Sorry, what you say just doesn't make sense. Apple wants to sell as many iPhones as possible. It's AT&T who wants to hold onto some form of exclusivity. They are under attack from the cheaper companies like MetroPCS, and so they wanted to make sure you had to go to AT&T to get an iPhone.
And now that iPhones are available with select regional carriers (http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/iphone-4s-to-launch-with-select-regional-carriers-april-20th/) they're starting to unlock devices because with their exclusivity lost, they might as well pretend they care about customers in hopes of keeping them.

--
http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
Phones upgraded over are allowed by alispguru · 2012-04-07 15:57 · Score: 1

From the AT&T announcement:
The only requirements are that a customer's account must be in good standing, their device cannot be associated with a current and active term commitment on an AT&T customer account, and they need to have fulfilled their contract term, upgraded under one of our upgrade policies or paid an early termination fee.
I have an ancient 3G recently superseded by a 4S - I want it unlocked on general principles, and will ask them to do it sometime soon.

--

To a Lisp hacker, XML is S-expressions in drag.
semi-OT: Skynet posting here? by uvajed_ekil · 2012-04-07 17:33 · Score: 0

The maze in their website which led to this opportunity is now a story of legend. Will the key to this unlocking the iPhone be as byzantine for former customers?
Is it just me being a burnout, or do these two sentences, when viewed without context, sound like they could have been written by a computer rather than a person?

--
This is a hacked account, for which the owner can not be held responsible.
1. Re:semi-OT: Skynet posting here? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 17:56 · Score: 0
  
  That's very interesting. Why do you think the maze in their website is now a story of ledend?
Not available quite yet (0130 EST) by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 17:36 · Score: 0

I just called, figuring that it was worth a shot since I was up late anyhow.
AT&T only kind of knew what was up - the rep I spoke with stated that they had sent out a communication that it was coming to the reps but had not given any additional details or a date. I referenced the press release, and he checked with his supervisor. His supervisor stated that it will be available later today, but wasn't available yet and to call back.
Presumably that means that it will be like other carriers, where you call, they send the authorization, and you sync with iTunes and it's unlocked.
New laws.. by JavaBear · 2012-04-07 17:38 · Score: 3, Informative

In some countries there are laws prohibiting the provider from maintaining a perpetual lock.
The idea in Denmark for instance is that they can at most maintain a sim lock for the initial minimum contract period, which can not exceed 6 months for regular cell phones, and I think 1 year for the more expensive smart phones, and then only if you buy them at the providers' discount, after this they have to provide the unlock codes and assist the user in performing the unlock, free of charge.
Some providers here don't even lock the phones any longer, you are after all still legally obligated to maintain and pay for your initial contract period.
1. Re:New laws.. by eyegone · 2012-04-08 05:11 · Score: 0
  
  In some countries there are laws prohibiting the provider from maintaining a perpetual lock.
  
  Yes, but those countries don't spend very much on pointy, shiny bang-bang stuff, so they're pretty much irrelevant.
  
  Thanks for playing, though.
  
  --
  "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
2. Re:New laws.. by JavaBear · 2012-04-09 06:18 · Score: 1
  
  I don't know, I'd say Scandinavian countries are among those spending the most on the "pointy, shiny bang-bang stuff"...
Data Plan by Ark42 · 2012-04-07 17:49 · Score: 2

So can I get somebody's old unlocked iPhone and put my SIM card in it, without being forced to buy a data plan yet? Wifi-only would be just fine, and I see no reason to pay exorbitant fees for tiny amounts of bandwidth on 3G or 4G data.

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Morphing Software
1. Re:Data Plan by jonwil · 2012-04-07 20:12 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  No, AT&T will still detect that you have a "smartphone" (whatever their definition of that happens to be) and force you to buy a data plan.
2. Re:Data Plan by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 01:13 · Score: 1
  
  No, because our system detects the IMIE is a smartphone, and automatically adds the plan. In fact, I get alot of calls where someone's kid put their SIM in a friends smartphone just to test their card (or whatever reason), and then the parents call because their bill went up by $30...luckily we can check to see what phone is currently being used and see exactly how long that IMIE was used with that SIM...I often have to remove data plans and charges, using the "feature not compatible with device" reason.
3. Re:Data Plan by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 02:25 · Score: 0
  
  You can get a prepaid AT&T Go Phone account and use the iPhone without data. Onlye contracts force you into a data plan. Actually, Android phones can get prepaid data added for an extra fee but iPhones *cannot*. They obviously want you to foot a contract. I'm with you, I decided paying $80 a month for the cheapest contact with data aint worth it versus a $25 phone & unlimited prepaid minus data option.
4. Re:Data Plan by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 02:26 · Score: 0
  
  Not true. I have a iPhone 3G with an AT&T sim in it that only has voice and sms associated with it. It came from my old work smartphone. The company set it up with no data. I use the iPhone because the old phone died, and since I had the iPhone I just popped it in.
5. Re:Data Plan by Ark42 · 2012-04-08 02:40 · Score: 1
  
  How is this even legal, if I'm not under any current contract with AT&T?
  
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  Morphing Software
6. Re:Data Plan by Ark42 · 2012-04-08 02:41 · Score: 1
  
  What about if you had a 1-year contract so many years ago, that you could have probably upgraded to 2-3 few phones over the years, but never did. I can't really be under any contract anymore. How could they force me to sign up for a package I don't want just by putting my SIM card in another (second hand) phone? Doesn't even seem like that would be legal at that point.
  
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  Morphing Software
7. Re:Data Plan by gl4ss · 2012-04-08 05:59 · Score: 1
  
  if you don't set up the access points then they should have no way of knowing.
  anyhow, americans should really lobby for against those auto-detections. the operator shouldn't be keeping a db about what kind of device you're using.. just about the radio services you're using, the data you're transferring.
  
  --
  world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
8. Re:Data Plan by l0n3s0m3phr34k · 2012-04-08 08:13 · Score: 1
  
  There are a few reasons...one, the system does notify you at least three times via text that it is going to happen, and to call 611. Most people ignore that. Another reason is that if you don't have a data plan, then you are going to be charged at the $2 per MB "pay per use" charge...so instead of $30 for 3gb, you could easily end up with $6000 data bill. Also, buried somewhere in your contract is a clause that we can change your plan if your usage will negatively impact the network...of course there isn't really a straight-forward reason is to how a smartphone without the right data plan does this, but that's the way it's written. Right here (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/index.jsp?q_termsKey=wirelessCustomerAgreement&q_termsName=AT%26T+Wireless+Customer+Agreement&section=termCommitChargesBillingPayment&q_subTitle=TERM%20COMMITMENT,%20CHARGES,%20BILLING%20AND%20PAYMENT#canAttChangeMyTermsRates) you agreed that AT&T "We may change any terms, conditions, rates, fees, expenses, or charges regarding your Services at any time. " If you have an LTE smartphone without an LTE plan you will probably only connect at 2G speeds. That contract also states that specific data plans are made for each class of phone. And the very first clause states "Your Agreement begins on the day we activate your Services and continues through the Term of Service specified on your Customer Service Summary ("Service Commitment"). AT THE END OF YOUR SERVICE COMMITMENT, THIS AGREEMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS." There is a huge difference between this agreement and the contract time of the phone itself...your "contract" with the phone may be up, but the agreement never expires. Think of it like renting a house...once your lease is up, you still have to pay the rent if you want to stay there. It's the same with AT&T...the phone's contract is up, but your agreement with AT&T is still valid until you quit using the services.
9. Re:Data Plan by jonwil · 2012-04-09 01:12 · Score: 1
  
  If its a device AT&T sold, they can probably detect via IMEI.
10. Re:Data Plan by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-09 08:02 · Score: 0
  
  Actually, my wife has been using my old iPhone 3G (At&t) without unlocking it for months. Her Sony cell phone died after she filled her purse with water one day. We pulled her Sim card out of the Sony and stuck it into the IPhone 3G with no problems and no data fees. To get data she connects via Wi-Fi or I share a connection off my jail broke iPhone 4.
  AT&T detects she is using an iPhone 3G but all is well. We use it over our Micro-cell at home and AT&T networks on the road.
  I've not liked at&t's "unlimited" data use and unlock rules, but they sent me a free Microcell that has been very nice living in the boondocks where no cell coverage is (had to move there after I signed up). I'm looking at changing to Sprint for the unlimited iPhone 4S plan if I can manage to move back to town.
  The crazy thing is I got 12mb wired internet download speeds out here in nowhere land and I couldn't get better than 1.5mb DLs in town.
11. Re:Data Plan by Ark42 · 2012-04-10 04:40 · Score: 1
  
  I've had all texts blocked for years, and you're damn right I'll ignore any text that does get through. Never used them, don't see the point. I don't want pay-per-use, I want blocked 3G/4G data, just like I have blocked text messages. No incoming, no outgoing, no surcharges. Plain and simple.
  Thanks for being a dick about it, and completely missing the point of what the customer (me) wants.
  Also, please remember that I've never agreed to any changes in the contract. Just because I pay month-to-month now, doesn't give AT&T any legal right to change the terms of the contract. Same as renting a house or apartment. They can't change the terms of your rent without you signing a form to agree to it. I also never agree to any change when I pay my bill, so I'm pretty sure I could fight and win in court to not have a data plan. Not that it would help random other consumers or people changing from one provider to another though, so why bother. The first provider who DOES let me sign up with no data plan, will be the one I switch to.
  
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  Morphing Software
Mod Parent Up. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-07 23:15 · Score: 0

It's exactly right.
All Talk & Transvestites by flyneye · 2012-04-08 00:47 · Score: 2

AT&T = All Trash & Turmoil
Anorexic Theater & Thumbscrews
A Tin-can & Tin-can
Awful Telephone & Typhoid
Angry Trump & Toupee
Ass Tube & Trajectory
More...?

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*Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
Ulocking millions of stolen phones by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 01:11 · Score: -1

AT&T won't lock down stolen phones, but they will unlock them. Who drives this boat?
Probably easy by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 02:32 · Score: 0

I doubt it'll be a bit difficult to unlock an iPhone. I went through their process about three years ago for a non-iPhone and it couldn't have been easier. I gave someone in customer service the hardware ID and in about a minute later he gave me the unlock code.
Keep in mind two things:
1. Given that the unlock will happen, this is an excellent time for AT&T to demonstrate good customer service.
2. Delays and hassles will cost AT&T employee time and money. When it is cheaper, you might as well be nice.
That said, I expect there'll be a few bumps at the start as customer service reps get up to speed. This move has a hurry-up flavor to it. A better thought out plan wouldn't begin so soon or on a Sunday, much less an Easter Sunday. A few guidelines would also help. Having a special number would avoid swamping customer service. Call and leave your number for a call back would also eliminate long waits at the phone Geographic or hardware restrictions, i.e. the east coast calls on Monday, the southeast on Tuesday etc. would also reduce delays. Any hassles are likely to be the result of that rush-up.
I've got a 3G and a 3GS to unlock, but I'll probably be waiting a week or two before calling. I just hope there's no hassle because I'm not a current AT&T customer. There wasn't before.
All you have to do is ask. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 03:11 · Score: 0

AT&T Unlocked my iPhone the day I bought it, because they are required by law to do so upon request.
It's hard to be Anonymous.. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-08 05:11 · Score: 0

.. when what you do isn't anonymous.
My experience by blargh-dot-com · 2012-04-08 07:19 · Score: 1

My situation: Old iPhone 3S, I switched carriers months ago, so no active AT&T contract.
I used the AT&T Wireless Support Chat, Tech Support. Told them I wanted an unlock. Initially got told they couldn't do it, I quoted the press release article. After a couple minutes, the tech opened a ticket for unlocking and said I'll hear by April 16th, 2012. So we'll wait and see.
Short version: Chat works, but be ready with that copy and paste. Also reading asking for a supervisor is helping some folks.
Telus isn't as bad a some others. by phorm · 2012-04-08 17:35 · Score: 1

At least Telus (AFAIK) can unlock phones at all. Virgin (Bell) states they will unlock phones after 3 months. What the don't tell you is that they don't have the system in place to unlock the iphone at all. They *will* unlock other phones, but iphone users are out of luck... which of course we didn't find out about until asking to unlock the phone before going overseas...
I'm FREE!!!! by Anonymous Coward · 2012-04-10 15:09 · Score: 0

Wooo Hoooo!!!
I called on the 8th, told them that I got the iPhone as a present from a friend after up upgraded to a newer phone. Also that I hadn't an AT&T account in over 10 years, but I it was all paid off and in good standing.
The wanted my name, valid email, and IMEI number. They gave me a case number. Today on the 10th, I got the email saying I was good to go, do a backup/restore.
I'm FREE!!!! to go where I can.