I spoke with an AT&T rep today about getting my unlock code since I'll be in korea, but according to them, they cannot unlock my phone since AT&T has an exclusivity contract on my phone until December. I thought I read somewhere that if you ask nicely they will unlock it for you?
Keep calling and keep pestering them. If you get no joy from the rep, get their supervisor/manager on the phone. Eventually you should get someone who will give you the unlock code. It is sometimes a pain getting the code from them, but they should give it to you. Tell them you weren't told anything about exclusivity when you bought the phone, and that you specifically asked about it being unlocked, and was told customer support would do it for you.
If all else fail, try cellunlocker.net
That's how I got mine unlocked.
There is a three day turnaround wait for the code, but if there's no option, what should you do?
- Sent from my ATRIX 4G using XDA app -
Yeah you have to keep calling them and bother them to give you the unlock code... I had a Rep tell me there are no unlock codes but I imagine she didn't know what she was doing so I talked to someone higher up and bam got it...
Sent from my Motorola Olympus running gingerblur 3.5 on 1.8.3 using XDA App
You can keep calling, but they simply don't give us the unlock codes until December. The codes come from Moto, and AT&T locks them down till exclusivity ends.
link12245 said:
You can keep calling, but they simply don't give us the unlock codes until December. The codes come from Moto, and AT&T locks them down till exclusivity ends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then the people reporting that they have gotten it are merely trolling me? or is this a new policy?
willy101 said:
So then the people reporting that they have gotten it are merely trolling me? or is this a new policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see anyone in this particular thread trolling you, and only one person stated they got the code. We are only giving our opinions to try and help you get it. I myself have not asked for the unlock code for the Atrix, but my response was from previous experience, both of myself and people I know with other phones. If there is in fact a contractual reason why they will not give you the code, that's the first time I have heard of it, but that doesn't mean it's not true.
If you need it unlocked badly and are getting no joy from AT&T, I suggest going the cellunlocker.net route as was previously mentioned by Rayan.
AT&T gave me the same bull****, but said that they'll be able to give the code in August. I told them to screw off, got my code from cellunlocker.net for $20, and am a happy customer of T-Mobile. Sadly this was in March, before the AT&T merger.
samarth1 said:
Sadly this was in March, before the AT&T merger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They haven't merged yet, and it will be over a year for all the legalities to work themselves out. There are many areas where this could fall through.
My company went through a buyout last year, and it took 1-1/2 years for all the attorneys to balance everything according to all the laws, and satisfy the different governing bodies.
Also, there are all the benefits systems, etc. to bring into line, which takes a huge effort outside of the general legal battles.
I doubt you will see the merger finalized for at least a year, and even then it won't be a done deal until the shareholders all agree on a date when T-Mobile USA will actually become AT&T.
This was on television the other night, and I also found it online just now:
It seems that if the deal does not get FCC approval, then AT&T will pay T-Mobile a $3 billion "breakup fee," give them some AWS spectrum it does not need, and give T-Mob a roaming agreement "at an agreeable price."
With that kind of payout if it doesn't happen, AT&T is going to make sure they take their time, cross all their t's, and dot all their i's so it goes through OK and they don't end up with half a network.
In a nutshell, you don't have to worry until you are another 2 phone generations away! LOL
Okay, thanks for all the information. I'm going to try talking to them in store since I'll be there to replace my phone anyway. Thanks all.
Related
Ok...before I am trying to complaint with the business bureau..I would like to get some feedback or opinion from everyone:
1. Currently I am not with Sprint anymore due to the fact that I am getting tired of slow data on their network and has been filing complaint for the past 6 mos.
2. I did pay the ETF to fulfilled the contract agreement.
3. The question is since Motorola Photon is capable of both GSM quad band and CDMA. Should Sprint unlock the radio band for US user to be able to use on the US GSM network?
This is really struck me hard with their level of technically expertise:
4. I called Sprint tech support today and here is the answers:
a) Your phone can't use the SIM card (this is the answered from the Tech Support Supervisor)... After I told him to look at the only Sprint World phone release last year.. he finally accepting the fact that it is capable on GSM.
b) Then he went on explained to me that even the phone is support GSM it can't support the frequency of T-Mobile or ATT network. What the hell?
c) So just for fun, I asked him what is the frequencies for T-mobile and ATT?
he did gave me the right answers on both network so I asked him are those matching the specification of the Photon. he re-plied "YES".
d) I went on and asking him that if I fulfilled my contract with Sprint. Should I (the owner of the phone) have the right to use any carriers if my phone support it? He said "YES".
e) He then tell me that it's still does not accept SIM card with T-Mobile and ATT because the phone does not support it. I ask him why? he said because the SIM card is different (What??????????), Even after I explained to him that I have been travel to Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand I have no trouble using their SIM card.
Man .. at that point after holding on for almost 1 hour, I know the conversation getting no where. I felt like I am talking to and "idi****t".
So now, just for the fun of it I am gonna see if I get them to unlock the Radio Band for US GSM through the "Law" in US.
Any opinions would appreciated.
Thanks....It was frustrated with Sprint tech support during the call, but it's something that make me laugh real hard afterward.
you would be a hero if you were able to get it unlocked for carriers within the US. That being said, I suspect your real issue (and litigant) would be Motorola who sells the photon GSM locked for the US.
you bought a world phone, im sure there is some tiny print somewhere at some point that says its locked for some reason
shabbypenguin said:
you bought a world phone, im sure there is some tiny print somewhere at some point that says its locked for some reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be...but I found there are nothing in the 2 years agreement that I signed up for mentioned anything about it.
Secondly, It's not that I cancelled the contract and failed to pay their ETF.
I did paid my ETF as agreed in the contract.
This does mean I owned that particular phone.
T-Mobile or ATT always unlocked you phone after contract is over (for ATT is if you are with them for 6 mos.. call in and they will provide the unlock code).
findthedr said:
you would be a hero if you were able to get it unlocked for carriers within the US. That being said, I suspect your real issue (and litigant) would be Motorola who sells the photon GSM locked for the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I can see that this is going to motorola ... but they gonna passing the buckets around.
I will attempt to contact Motorola later to see what their answer is gonna be.
I say if the companies won't provide it for us directly, then we should make complaints to the BBB as mentioned above along with the FCC.
- Promoting competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities;
Does allowing Sprint to lock the GSM on a phone being sold in the US from not working with US GSM Carriers truly accomplish this?
- Supporting the nation’s economy by ensuring an appropriate competitive framework for the unfolding of the communications revolution;
I don't believe that allowing our purchased handset to not be usable on other carriers while its' technically possible for it to do so supports this either. It's actually an anti-competitive framework that encourages lock-in and tries to block consumers from having choice at the technical level.
It'd be understandable if the Photon was a CDMA only phone, but it's capable of GSM at frequencies that other carriers can use. Sprint/Motorola chose to stop us from being able to switch carriers due to price deterrence by having to purchase a new telephone.
- Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally;
My phone can't use any spectrum deigned for GSM use in the US. Encourage Sprint/Motorola to fix this please.
- Revising media regulations so that new technologies flourish alongside diversity and localism;
Does that mean that you no longer care for the life old technologies that you help enable to flourish?
- Providing leadership in strengthening the defense of the nation’s communications infrastructure.
I don't think that me selling my Photon to a shady character to cover the cost of a new purchase contributes towards that security that hope to foster. In Octavia Butler's "Parable" series, it's common for people to use disposable phones as a means to not be tracked easily and to quickly stay secure personally. Why encourage me to offer someone a high-end disposable phone with all types of awesome abilities when I can keep this phone or be encouraged to give it to a trusted friend once I'm done using it?
http://www.fcc.gov/what-we-do
F-C-C please set us free!
Photon: Let me be me on ATT!
(Honestly, I would jump to T-Mobile instead of them, I can't do so because my phone has been interfered with.)
Updated: Call with Motorola and Sprint
Updated:
Call Motorola today, after frustrating call with Sprint. As soon as I mentioned about SIM Subsidiary Unlock for US GSM, I got transfered to a level II rep.
-The representative understood what I was asking for and he understood that I have my contract fulfilled with Sprint.
-He said that there are no reason why Sprint did not unlock the US GSM band. So he placed a 3 ways call to Sprint CSR. Again, Idio***t Sprint CSR said that the phone doesn't have the SIM card even though it's the World Phone and it can only be used in CDMA mode. Again I got frustrated and told the CSR that Motorola Photon operated on quad band GSM and CDMA. I have paid my ETF and I owned the phone, it does not belong to Sprint anymore and no one can tell which carrier should I use or locking me from using other and It's my property. I told her that I got the Motorola Representative online and would happy to talk to her. Motorola rep jump in and explained to her that it should work on GSM abroad and US. US carriers does operated on the same frequencies that described in Photon's specification. He asked the CSR if I am still in contract with Sprint? and Sprint CSR replied "NO". He asked did I pay my ETF and fulfilled my contract? She said "YES". He then tell her there should be no reason for Sprint not to provide the SIM Subsidiary unlock code for US GSM. He said there is no reason that I could not take my Photon to any CDMA or GSM provider US and Globally if the network supported the frequencies of the phone and use it. Here is the fun part: Sprint CSR then replied "His account no longer active and therefore I could not provide the unlock code" ??? huh ???
and yet my account with them still active but they could not find my phone? I then asked Sprint CSR: do you know what is the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is? and please do not mistaken with the MSL number. At this point both I and the Motorola Rep got tired. She then kept repeating that the phone is not active she can't do it.
I got frustrated, and said this "If I do not get this issue resolve by either Sprint or Motorola, I will complaint to BBB and FCC on both Sprint and Motorola". Sprint CSR said go ahead if I wanted to. Both I and Motorola say goodbye to her.
Motorola Rep, however understood what I am asking. He promised to call me back tomorrow with a solution, but first he needs to research with the technical team and higher management on the matter.
Well.. in my opinion, it's true that the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is the carriers responsibility. Phone Manufacture normally provided these with the phone. It's the carrier responsible to unlock the phone based on the contract agreement. I have experienced with AT&T and T-Mobile when asking for unlock code. They should provided to you when the contract is over or earlier depends on how good you are as customer to them.
Let wait and see if Motorola came up with something..If not I will file the complaint with BBB and FCC.
Even that now I don't use Photon (just got the huge Galaxy Note with AT&T) .. I am still pursuing this matter. No one can tell me what to do with thing that I owned as long as I don't use them illegally. hmmm
roadster92 said:
Updated:
Call Motorola today, after frustrating call with Sprint. As soon as I mentioned about SIM Subsidiary Unlock for US GSM, I got transfered to a level II rep.
-The representative understood what I was asking for and he understood that I have my contract fulfilled with Sprint.
-He said that there are no reason why Sprint did not unlock the US GSM band. So he placed a 3 ways call to Sprint CSR. Again, Idio***t Sprint CSR said that the phone doesn't have the SIM card even though it's the World Phone and it can only be used in CDMA mode. Again I got frustrated and told the CSR that Motorola Photon operated on quad band GSM and CDMA. I have paid my ETF and I owned the phone, it does not belong to Sprint anymore and no one can tell which carrier should I use or locking me from using other and It's my property. I told her that I got the Motorola Representative online and would happy to talk to her. Motorola rep jump in and explained to her that it should work on GSM abroad and US. US carriers does operated on the same frequencies that described in Photon's specification. He asked the CSR if I am still in contract with Sprint? and Sprint CSR replied "NO". He asked did I pay my ETF and fulfilled my contract? She said "YES". He then tell her there should be no reason for Sprint not to provide the SIM Subsidiary unlock code for US GSM. He said there is no reason that I could not take my Photon to any CDMA or GSM provider US and Globally if the network supported the frequencies of the phone and use it. Here is the fun part: Sprint CSR then replied "His account no longer active and therefore I could not provide the unlock code" ??? huh ???
and yet my account with them still active but they could not find my phone? I then asked Sprint CSR: do you know what is the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is? and please do not mistaken with the MSL number. At this point both I and the Motorola Rep got tired. She then kept repeating that the phone is not active she can't do it.
I got frustrated, and said this "If I do not get this issue resolve by either Sprint or Motorola, I will complaint to BBB and FCC on both Sprint and Motorola". Sprint CSR said go ahead if I wanted to. Both I and Motorola say goodbye to her.
Motorola Rep, however understood what I am asking. He promised to call me back tomorrow with a solution, but first he needs to research with the technical team and higher management on the matter.
Well.. in my opinion, it's true that the SIM Subsidiary unlock code is the carriers responsibility. Phone Manufacture normally provided these with the phone. It's the carrier responsible to unlock the phone based on the contract agreement. I have experienced with AT&T and T-Mobile when asking for unlock code. They should provided to you when the contract is over or earlier depends on how good you are as customer to them.
Let wait and see if Motorola came up with something..If not I will file the complaint with BBB and FCC.
Even that now I don't use Photon (just got the huge Galaxy Note with AT&T) .. I am still pursuing this matter. No one can tell me what to do with thing that I owned as long as I don't use them illegally. hmmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have asked to speak to a manager while you had the rep on the phone. Btw was the rep you spoke with American or foreign to america in accent? No offence to foreign call centers but they are way to close to their sprint handbook. I have dealt with sprint several times and every time I called except twice I got an American who was extremely helpful and have even done things for me without question. The two times I got a foreign call center, I was placed on hold several times, spoke to several different people about my issue and then finally after nearly a 30 minute call they finally told me if I could pay ahead on a zero balance for future billing. Called back a few days later just to verify my answer and got an American first try and without hesitation new the answer and even said I could set up autopay to exceed the next months bill and whatever remaining balance I had would count as a credit towards the month after that. As with any device or technical question I have american call centers have always given a more straight forward answer without all the bull****.
I used to work for an ATT call center and we had to go to 3 months of training before we could start taking calls and then another 3 months of assisted training once on the phone. We had to learn every device they sold and had to know the entire book or they would not accept us on the floor. It payed very well for a call center so I understand why they would spend so much time making sure we knew what the hell we were talking about. Sometimes you have slackers that someone get through training but I can verify that foreign call centers only have to go through ONE day of training before taking calls and only have ONE superviser per 40+ reps as to American call centers have around 10 supervisors to every 40 reps plus supers have to going to more intense training to better assist customers. They can even provide us with an ATT or T-Mobile unlock code even if the phone is not active.
Sent from my Photon Q using ultramegaextremeXDA
Previous call did get to a supervisor and manager with Sprint. No help at all. Second call was 3 ways call with Motorola, Sprint and me. And I am kinda surprised at the second call where the Sprint CSR did not even call a Manager or Supervisor... and she has the nerve tell me go ahead with the complaint to BBB and FCC. Wow, I guessed she did not care. So the Motorola Rep decided to say goodbye to the Sprint CSR so he can get on with my issue. I think he is also frustrated at the Sprint CSR too. Let wait and see how this play out.
roadster92 said:
Previous call did get to a supervisor and manager with Sprint. No help at all. Second call was 3 ways call with Motorola, Sprint and me. And I am kinda surprised at the second call where the Sprint CSR did not even call a Manager or Supervisor... and she has the nerve tell me go ahead with the complaint to BBB and FCC. Wow, I guessed she did not care. So the Motorola Rep decided to say goodbye to the Sprint CSR so he can get on with my issue. I think he is also frustrated at the Sprint CSR too. Let wait and see how this play out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive complained to the FCC and BBB twice in the past year about Sprint and both times Sprint's reply has pretty much been "f**k you".
Sprint in general doesn't care about FCC or BBB complaints.
CSRs definitely do not - since those complaints are not tied back to the CSR and never impact their metrics.
Also, I've never had a CSR volunteer to get a supervisor involved - I've always had to ask. And whenever I hear a canned phrase for the second time, I do ask to speak with a supervisor.
I dont think Sprint cares about much except whether or not your bill is late.
MadFlava said:
I dont think Sprint cares about much except whether or not your bill is late.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite true.
I thought the photon was locked in the radio software to ignore the gsm signals from att and t mobile in the usa. The Sim unlock wouldn't really do anything because the software on the phone would still ignore the Sim card because it isn't setup to use the Sim card in the usa. I think you are kinda **** out of luck. There are numerous posts about this issue already and from what i understand it will not work here in the usa with gsm
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
abrcrmdl23 said:
I thought the photon was locked in the radio software to ignore the gsm signals from att and t mobile in the usa. The Sim unlock wouldn't really do anything because the software on the phone would still ignore the Sim card because it isn't setup to use the Sim card in the usa. I think you are kinda **** out of luck. There are numerous posts about this issue already and from what i understand it will not work here in the usa with gsm
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it doesn't work with GSM band here in the US. My argument is that I am off contract and fully paid for the phone, therefore I should get those GSM US band unlock. It's not a sprint phone... It's my phone and I paid for it.
I agree with you but the gsm is not locked to sprint..its blocked in rom from the us gsm network...this requires an update to the the radio rom firmware....real world it can be done...but sprint and motorolla will fight it every step of the way...make bet the moto rep that backed you will get an ass chewing from moto managment if they here about it...
It this case they look at a firmware update to turn on hardware parts of the phone as a hardware upgrade..
But again real work kdd japans photon is the same hardware as a sprint photon...replace the sprint firmware with kdd firmware (really just the radio firmware)..and your phone would work with us gsm..may not work with sprint but would work us gsm..
But for that you need to know how to upgrade the rom and have the right rom and sprint and moto are not going to tell you
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
Have you heard back from Motorola yet?
Sent from my Photon Q using ultramegaextremeXDA
Motorola give me the feedback, but it's not good. Generally, I think he got chewed by his higher up. He said he understood that I am gone through, and the only way to get unlock is to have Sprint approval. He explained to me that the lock is in the lower level programming and it is needed to get approved by Motorola. He said really sorry that he could not help more. He have asked me to pursue whatever course it takes to get Sprint authorized.
I felt that this is the first time he step on something like this. Poor guy, he doesn't sound enthusiastic as he did when he first spoke with me.
In any case, I will file the complaint through BBB and see how Sprint response. Heck I don't even need the phone now, and about to list and sell on Ebay.
I just got my Galaxy Note (huge phone) with AT&T and I like it. I think in the past of couple of years , Samsung finally improve their product.
roadster92 said:
I just got my Galaxy Note (huge phone) with AT&T and I like it. I think in the past of couple of years , Samsung finally improve their product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you like it over the Photon?
roadster92 said:
Heck I don't even need the phone now, and about to list and sell on Ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for a cheap one for my wife. What do you want for it?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Here is the ABC News link:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/now-illegal-unlock-cellphone/story?id=18319518
I just want to clarify that
I am not trying to "sensationalize" the issue.
I am not trying to pass on "misinformation."
I don't write for ABC.
I don't write legislation.
I don't vote on the passage of legislation.
I am merely sharing a link on a story that you will see sooner or later.
At least now you can say you saw it first on XDA!
DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.
Please hit the "Thanks" button.
A link has been added to sign a petition if you are interested. It requires a "White House DOT Gov Account." Why?" Big Brother, probably.
I am not afilliated with the Federal Government,
I am not afilliated with any State Government,
I am not afilliated with Law Enforcement,
IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM.
I'm just a regular dude trying to make a positive, informative contribution to the community which I love so much and am very greatful and appreciative for ALL of the contributors, and everyone who shares. Where would we be without the Devs? Running STOCK, UNROOTED!
The petiton link was found via www.phonearena.com.
White House Petition:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
Let us expand on the sensationalistic thread title, as many will not click through to see the real story, shall we?
Unauthorized subsidy unlocks performed without the consent of the carrier, return to being illegal under the DMCA today.
This does not mean that AT&T or T-Mobile won't or cannot provide unlocks, although it could mean that they might become less likely to do so during the period between the user purchasing the device at new line or upgrade pricing and the contract period expiring or an ETF being paid.
Re: Carrier Unlocking Your Cellphone ILLEGAL As Of TODAY
It is not illegal to unlock my phone, like you said. It is for phones purchased after today.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
PaulF8080 said:
It is not illegal to unlock my phone, like you said. It is for phones purchased after today.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you misread it. If your phone was unlocked as of today then you are grandfathered in. If it is not unlocked then it is illegal for you to unlock it without the consent of the carrier.
Edit: My apologies PaulF8080 as you are correct and the story in the first post is not written correctly.
Re: Carrier Unlocking Your Cellphone ILLEGAL As Of TODAY
*cough cough*
Ebay *cough*
*cough*
............................*sneeze*
Sent from my SGH-T879 using xda premium
This may just drive up the prices of unlocked phones on eBay. Still curious to know how carriers will know if your phone was unlocked yesterday or tomorrow. I tend to use Canadian unlocked phones anyways.
Agoattamer said:
No, you misread it. If your phone was unlocked as of today then you are grandfathered in. If it is not unlocked then it is illegal for you to unlock it without the consent of the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is misinformation.
Any phone bought before today can be carrier unlocked, legally. And then there is the fact that the carriers are not really on a witch hunt to find anyone anyway. At least not yet.
Seems that story in the first post may be incorrect. You are correct kimtyson.
Unlocking phones without the express consent of the carrier who locked them became illegal thanks to edits to DMCA exemptions back in October, but it's only now that the 90-day grace period is running out. Locked phones purchased in the 90 days after the ruling are still game to be unlocked, but from here on out, for an unlocked phone to be legitimate, it'll have to have been bought that way or come with a permission slip from your carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Taken from: http://gizmodo.com/5978982/unlocking-your-phone-is-illegal-starting-tomorrow
DELETED -(addendum to title description)
Re: Carrier Unlocking Your Cellphone ILLEGAL As Of TODAY
It should be illegal when/if you still have contract or the phone is on EIP. other that it should be fine because you own the phone and you can do what u you want with the phone
granted it maybe, but when I saw the article, I went on to ATT chat this morning and unlocked my wife's SIII. Did my replacement note about 3 weeks back. Both phones under original 24 month contract, mine 8 months since upgrade, wife's about 6 months since her upgrade, both subsidized by the way......
Re: Carrier Unlocking Your Cellphone ILLEGAL As Of TODAY
How in the world are people going to enforce this?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
tigeryee said:
How in the world are people going to enforce this?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually pretty simple, service provides will no longer unlock your phone and the pay for folks will charge four times the amount, because that is what the service providers will charge them. Not hard at all.
Agoattamer said:
This may just drive up the prices of unlocked phones on eBay. Still curious to know how carriers will know if your phone was unlocked yesterday or tomorrow. I tend to use Canadian unlocked phones anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, I don't think so...Apparently, it is still legal to unlock your phone if you bought it used.
Gizmodo said:
Legacy phones, i.e. "used (or perhaps unused) phones previously purchased or otherwise acquired by a consumer" are still cool to unlock, and that definition has a little bit of play in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re: Carrier Unlocking Your Cellphone ILLEGAL As Of TODAY
My opinion... If I want to unlock my phone fully (and the option to do so exists) I'm going to do it. It's not like I can jump carriers & not pay the ETF before the contract is up.
Just another example of crap legislation from D.C. morons.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using one opposable thumb.
This contradicts legislation already in place called fair use, which means if you buy a phone outright (no contract or used), you are free to modify it any way you please.
That law came as a result of class action against at&t and the iphone.
If you buy a phone at a subsidized price through a contract/upgrade, you break the law for flashing non-carrier software. The carrier still owns the phone until you pay it off.
Throwing a bone into the equation. For example, look at all the used ATT Notes that are for sale at this moment. I would say most of those are still involved with a subsidized 2 year contract. So how would future purchases like this be handled? I wonder if IMEI codes will have to be released before they can become unlocked. That would be the only way to run checks on this.
All I can say about that is a web service chat session with at&t gets you the code.
gibbsrob said:
Here is the ABC News link:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/now-illegal-unlock-cellphone/story?id=18319518
I just want to clarify that
I am not trying to "sensationalize" the issue.
I am not trying to pass on "misinformation."
I don't write for ABC.
I don't write legislation.
I don't vote on the passage of legislation.
I am merely sharing a link on a story that you will see sooner or later.
At least now you can say you saw it first on XDA!
DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.
Please hit the "Thanks" button.
A link has been added to sign a petition if you are interested. It requires a "White House DOT Gov Account." Why?" Big Brother, probably.
I am not afilliated with the Federal Government,
I am not afilliated with any State Government,
I am not afilliated with Law Enforcement,
IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM.
I'm just a regular dude trying to make a positive, informative contribution to the community which I love so much and am very greatful and appreciative for ALL of the contributors, and everyone who shares. Where would we be without the Devs? Running STOCK, UNROOTED!
The petiton link was found via www.phonearena.com.
White House Petition:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao You guys think there going to approve this and make it legal again?
T-Mobile and AT&T are the ones who created to make the idea of unlocking illegal and presented it to the Congress. I don't see them making this legal again. Obviously its a monopoly.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
This seems like it's aimed at people who are selling unlocked phones in higher numbers - it's not illegal to call up your carrier, request the unlock code, and unlock the phone, yesterday or today or whenever. It's only illegal if they say "no" and you go ahead and unlock it by some other means.
IMO, this is aimed for iPhone users - my phone took me 5 minutes to unlock, since I happened to have a SIM from another carrier. iPhones need to go through some big process to unlock, even officially. I asked for my wife's unlock code for her phone, and they gave this whole list of instructions, which included 24-48 hour wait for the code to be obtained, or something.
If I had to go through that with the Note, I might think about unlocking it by some other means as well, especially if I'm just trying to sell it.
Hey guys I was wondering if anyone has dealt with att when canceling a contract because of relocation. I moved about 20mi away from my old house to this one, and I have absolutely no service, I am bound to a partner tower, I know this after a lengthy convo with att about my data not working.
I should be eligible for the exit clause, but I know how big companies like att can be. Do you think they will give me much trouble getting out of it? Btw I started my contract in the last six months and this is my first time doing business with att.
Any input appreciated
Sent from my ViperOne
Bump. Surely someone has dealt with this.
Sent from my ViperOne
Squirrel1620 said:
Bump. Surely someone has dealt with this.
Sent from my ViperOne
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My sister had a similar situation a few years back and AT&T basically dropped them without penalty. they were lucky they were able to change over to T-mobile and keep their phones by just switching out the sim cards. Problem is if your phone is subsidized by AT&T they may not unlock it for use on another carrier. And they may charge you upword's of $500 to get out of your commitment.
Squirrel1620 said:
Any input appreciated
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Pay your ETF, roughly $265, and ATT will let you out no questions asked. As soon as the ETF is paid they will sim unlock the phone without issue. They have a device unlock website where you can submit the unlock request and have the code emailed to you.
OK, so here's the deal, guys. I recently ran into some financial issues, which may mean a total loss of income for an undetermined period of time. I've been calling companies I owe money, offering to settle old debts like college loans, so I can get my credit straightened out.
I bought an LG v10 less than 6 months ago. I went into a local T-Mobile store yesterday to pay off last month's balance, but more importantly, my device balance. So now my account balance is zero for everything. The account is still active but won't be as of next month. I'm trying to get my SIM permanently unlocked so I can switch to another carrier like MetroPCS or Straight Talk (prepaid). I am aware that carriers can blacklist the ESNs of devices that are past due/delinquent, so that is part of my motivation. I just wanted to own my device free and clear.
The rep told me in the store that I can use the Device Unlock app on the stock ROM (he noticed that I had CM13 installed, LOL) to request a permanent unlock. So I flashed back to stock, relocked bootloader, and tried the app. But it's not working. He did say that I would possibly need to wait 24 hours, and I have. I was also told not to cancel the account before unlocking, or else I can't get an unlock, paid or not. I really prefer not to pay another month's bill, I also don't want to pay some shady unlock website. I read the terms for unlocking, since I'm paid then I should be eligible.
Now, this is where the situation gets a little hairy, so read carefully. When I bought the phone I put it in a now ex-friend's name, because he has good credit and mine is crap. The price they quoted him was less than half of what they quoted me. So the account is under his name, he had to use his ID, but I paid for everything with *MY* money. But the phone is in my physical possession, I'm the one paying the bills. To make long story short, I caught him trying to steal from me, so I ended the friendship. He's made himself scarce, so up until yesterday getting hold of him to convince him to come into the store with me was difficult. But now I have to find him again so we can make a final call to settle the unlock, then I'll just let the account get cancelled when I don't pay next month. They won't let me do anything over the phone except make payments, since I don't know his Social Security #.
Once I get the SIM unlocked and the account is cancelled there will be no fear with blacklisting, I should be able to freely switch to another prepaid carrier later. However, if I decide I want to take advantage of T-Mobile's "bring your own device" policy later, will they let me rejoin as a prepaid customer? No potential issues?
I'm just looking for a little advice on what to do next.
Thanks!
Did you figure this out? What error message was the unlock app giving you?
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
@YrrchSebor: No, still not solved. The device unlock app just tells me I'm not eligible. I'm sure I can get a temp unlock but I'd rather have a permanent unlock. I even got hold of my ex-friend and forced him to call T-Mo, they just put you on hold forever and jerk you around from rep to rep. I had the entire conversation recorded, every rep says I'm not eligible. This is a bunch of BS if you ask me, I've read the conditions for an unlock, I meet all the requirements, we explained this to the reps blow by blow, but they just say the same thing. They also refuse to say why I'm not eligible. I've called back dozens of times for the past week, same answers. I've been a customer for over 5 years, owned a handful of devices with T-Mo, you would think they would have no issues giving an unlock if the device is paid and no other balance is due. I also explained the financial hardship situation to them. They're being such pricks about this, that when I finally get an unlock, I may never be a customer again. My best advice is, just keep calling and hound the **** out of them. Be polite, demand explanations, ask to talk to a supervisor/manager if possible.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: No, still not solved. The device unlock app just tells me I'm not eligible. I'm sure I can get a temp unlock but I'd rather have a permanent unlock. I even got hold of my ex-friend and forced him to call T-Mo, they just put you on hold forever and jerk you around from rep to rep. I had the entire conversation recorded, every rep says I'm not eligible. This is a bunch of BS if you ask me, I've read the conditions for an unlock, I meet all the requirements, we explained this to the reps blow by blow, but they just say the same thing. They also refuse to say why I'm not eligible. I've called back dozens of times for the past week, same answers. I've been a customer for over 5 years, owned a handful of devices with T-Mo, you would think they would have no issues giving an unlock if the device is paid and no other balance is due. I also explained the financial hardship situation to them. They're being such pricks about this, that when I finally get an unlock, I may never be a customer again. My best advice is, just keep calling and hound the **** out of them. Be polite, demand explanations, ask to talk to a supervisor/manager if possible.
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Damn, that sucks!! Have ANY of the reps given you a reason for your ineligibility? They definitely owe you that I'd say, and if they can't give it then something's wrong.
It sounds like your device's IMEI should be in their database, but if for some reason it isn't, there is another unlock thread where an XDA member, markbencze(not positive on the spelling), gives the direct telephone line to a rep who seems to be sympathetic and seems to be able to add devices to the database that aren't in there. Just letting you know that in case you didn't know and possibly she could help you..
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
@YrrchSebor: No, I've never been given a reason. My device's IMEI should be in their database, I bought and activated the phone in a T-Mo store. My ex-friend gave me the last 4 digits of his Social Security Number, so I can call in posing as him without his presence. I had to force cooperation but he did give in. I'm going to be extremely pissed if I cant get an unlock or the phone gets blacklisted, I have very limited income right now and have spent alot of money on this. My gameplan is to get the unlock as soon as possible, then cancel the account so I dont have to pay next month. I have a cheap AT&T prepaid SIM card to test with, to see if the unlock is for real.
If you can possibly post a link to the aforementioned thread here it would be very much appreciated.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: No, I've never been given a reason. My device's IMEI should be in their database, I bought and activated the phone in a T-Mo store. My ex-friend gave me the last 4 digits of his Social Security Number, so I can call in posing as him without his presence. I had to force cooperation but he did give in. I'm going to be extremely pissed if I cant get an unlock or the phone gets blacklisted, I have very limited income right now and have spent alot of money on this. My gameplan is to get the unlock as soon as possible, then cancel the account so I dont have to pay next month. I have a cheap AT&T prepaid SIM card to test with, to see if the unlock is for real.
If you can possibly post a link to the aforementioned thread here it would be very much appreciated.
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I see talk of it in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3241032. Maybe start at the end and work back..
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Thanks for the info, I just checked my IMEI with a link I found in the other unlock thread, it's not blacklisted and is also in T-Mo's database. So there must be some other reason. I'll try giving that lady a call.
@YrrchSebor: I just got my unlock about half an hour ago. I didn't call that lady, I just kept calling and asking to speak to supervisors until my request was elevated. Finally, they asked for email and said to wait 3 days. I dont know exactly what happened, but I think they added my IMEI to unlock database. I got the email, ran Unlock app again, worked first time around.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: I just got my unlock about half an hour ago. I didn't call that lady, I just kept calling and asking to speak to supervisors until my request was elevated. Finally, they asked for email and said to wait 3 days. I dont know exactly what happened, but I think they added my IMEI to unlock database. I got the email, ran Unlock app again, worked first time around.
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Glad you finally got it [emoji106]
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I own and I mean own a OnePlus Nord N10 5G on a T Mobile carrier. It's a decent phone I think, but the folks at T Mobile in the US apparently have a problem unlocking devices even though you own them. I spent over two hours on the phone and visited the store where I bought it from only to have wasted a ton of time. Can anyone tell me how to get around this? I want to root and flash my rom to global so I can, well you know why.. I have all my documentation to prove my device is legit I just need help. OnePlus Nord N10 5G
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Hint: Add OnePlus Nord N10 5G to this thread's title thus mainly owners of such a device get addressed.
jwoegerbauer said:
Hint: Add OnePlus Nord N10 5G to this thread's title thus mainly owners of such a device get addressed.
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Thanks! I'm new to this world and have a ton to learn.
You do not have any pending payment. Then tmobile must unlock your phone. You can use their app. T
You can call to customer care and ask for unlock code.
When you add other sim card, it is ask for code?
Mobilelearner said:
You do not have any pending payment. Then tmobile must unlock your phone. You can use their app. T
You can call to customer care and ask for unlock code.
When you add other sim card, it is ask for code?
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No, I don't owe money on the device, I paid cash at the carrier store. Apparently when you but a carrier phone from T-Mobile they require you to use it in network for 40 days before they will send you a token. To me this is a bunch of crap. I haven't put a new sim in as I am still using this carrier for service. It's just aggravating that this company wants so much control. Point being; it's MY PHONE!! I can get them to send my token for OnePlus in a month from now, so if there is a way I can get around that I am all ears. OnePlus Nord N10 5G T-Mobile
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40 days for locked mobile to unlock. You have no pending money. You can ask for unlock code. You can temporary unlock for 15 days using their apps.
I called them again today, spent an hour to hear the lady say that it wasn't their policy but the FCC? I don't know what the hell is going on.
i have a 300 dollar phone that is paid for and no obligations to them and yet because my ignorant American ass go at carrier based phone I now have to wait . If I could just wax the thing or trade it at this point I would.
Total BS
Spidermonkeyj75 said:
I called them again today, spent an hour to hear the lady say that it wasn't their policy but the FCC? I don't know what the hell is going on.
i have a 300 dollar phone that is paid for and no obligations to them and yet because my ignorant American ass go at carrier based phone I now have to wait . If I could just wax the thing or trade it at this point I would.
Total BS
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no you dont lol
complain on facebook or dm me and ill give you corprats number they over ride aanyhting
I agree, you really did get shafted paying cash for a jailed phone mate. Why did you buy from t-mobile instead of ordering an unlocked phone from oneplus website?
You could have had verizon stick a sim in it immediately instead of getting forcibly bent over by t-mobile. You definitely have my sympathy. That really blows.
To be fair to T-Mobile, this has been their policy for years, and is publicly visible. It only would have required a little reading to discover. It's not really their fault if you didn't do your due diligence.
swbf2lord said:
To be fair to T-Mobile, this has been their policy for years, and is publicly visible. It only would have required a little reading to discover. It's not really their fault if you didn't do your due diligence.
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Lol at being fair to a major corporation that's apart of an oligopoly. Who do you think drafted the laws and rules that they hide behind? They ****ing did. I mean seriously bro... How much did they pay you to be shillin'? LMAO fair to T-Mobile... That's like saying "Now to be fair to the Nazis...". GTFOoH.
Just threaten them with false advertisement if they're playing the FCC game.
The ability to unlock your phone and when is in their fine print. Like on tv where everyone can see it, with a magnifying glass.
Pipedream420 said:
Lol at being fair to a major corporation that's apart of an oligopoly. Who do you think drafted the laws and rules that they hide behind? They ****ing did. I mean seriously bro... How much did they pay you to be shillin'? LMAO fair to T-Mobile... That's like saying "Now to be fair to the Nazis...". GTFOoH.
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Can we be adults here? Or will we devolve to childish mud-slinging?
el80ne said:
I agree, you really did get shafted paying cash for a jailed phone mate. Why did you buy from t-mobile instead of ordering an unlocked phone from oneplus website?
You could have had verizon stick a sim in it immediately instead of getting forcibly bent over by t-mobile. You definitely have my sympathy. That really blows.
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I was certainly ignorant. This is the cherry popper device. I had never attempted nor knew about modding at all. Lesson learned.
If you paid full price for the phone, then T-Mobile has to unlock it for you. Try to contact their T-force support on Twitter.
I have one I got from Metro by T-Mobile for $40 as a port-in deal, but they have a different unlock policy, after 6 months you can unlock it.
Oh I filed a FCC complaint and TMobile super high up ended up unlocking every TMobile phone I needed unlocked. Even my woman's phone which she just got lol
For anybody currently reading through this post, and are considering purchasing a new device at full price...
Let this be a lesson to always ALWAYS look for an unlocked variant if you intend to fully own the device without carrier lock qualms. Unfortunately buying any device direct from a carrier store will inevitably contain the fine print we so often skim through right before handing them that cash money moolah. Buy unlocked if possible, and if not then go for the carrier variant you intend to stick with. Avoid this hoedown of a waiting for the ****hawks to swoop down to free you simply because you didn't do your due diligence. I mean, you don't buy an appliance that runs on 240v only to find you won't be able to run it in the US grid and complain to the seller for selling you a locked device that you now fully own, right? There's a certain degree of basic consumer knowledge required especially for a consumer who intends to modify the device through advanced technical methods, right?
mario0318 said:
For anybody currently reading through this post, and are considering purchasing a new device at full price...
Let this be a lesson to always ALWAYS look for an unlocked variant if you intend to fully own the device without carrier lock qualms. Unfortunately buying any device direct from a carrier store will inevitably contain the fine print we so often skim through right before handing them that cash money moolah. Buy unlocked if possible, and if not then go for the carrier variant you intend to stick with. Avoid this hoedown of a waiting for the ****hawks to swoop down to free you simply because you didn't do your due diligence. I mean, you don't buy an appliance that runs on 240v only to find you won't be able to run it in the US grid and complain to the seller for selling you a locked device that you now fully own, right? There's a certain degree of basic consumer knowledge required especially for a consumer who intends to modify the device through advanced technical methods, right?
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Kinda. Up until maybe three months in, none of us were really clear about carrier variants. So a lot of people did buy expecting the usual metro crap, but not the TMobile fine print.