Hi ,
I can't yet post in the development section so here i am. What i am wanting to do is switch carriers and use MetroPCS. I bought my photon 4g and i don't want to have to trash it or sell it since i am switching. And yes, i do know that my phone is 4G Wimax and is not compatible with Metro's 4G LTE service. That is fine, as i will flash the CM9 ICS ROM on to it which disables 4G, anyway.
I know that this can be a sensitive subject for some and that some people use certain methods to get around the restrictions on stolen phones. My phone is paid for and payments are current. I do not need ANY information that will lead to any topics being illegal. So. Let me begin my long and drawn out cry for help.
I have obtained my MSL/SPC code from Sprint. She told me how to get in and change my number by going to my dialer and pressing ##MSL#, etc. But i know that this is not all that is necessary to fully flash to MetroPCS. I heard something about changing information in some NV files and saving the changes, then flashing the desired carriers PRL on to the phone using QPST or something like that. I'm not too sure. Is this all that is required? Am i missing something? How do i do this ?
I also ran accross a site/program that makes the entire process of flashing to ANYTHING extremely easy and wanted to know if this looks legit to others. Here is the video on their website.
https://magicalphones.com/site/index.php?page=videos
If there is a step-by-step guide that someone knows of that applies to my Photon 4G, that would be extremely helpful. I do not understand why i cannot find a single site with a step by step guide on this. If i can get this thing figured out i will give back to the community by putting together a detailed guide myself.
Please help i really need to save a couple bucks by switching to Geico.. i mean metropcs =p ... Plus its bothering me that i can easily root and flash ROMs on to any device but i can't figure out how to properly flash to another carrier !!
BUMP ?
I really cannot believe how people refuse to help on this subject. It requires a lot of research... but why help someone on almost every single other topic except this one? It's just retarded if you ask me...
But to save anybody who is trying to do the same thing that i was time, i will provide information that pretty much everyone else refuses to give.
If your flashing your CDMA device to a different carrier.... Ensure that they will add your phone's ESN to their database. If they DO NOT, then don't even bother starting up QPST or whatever you use to flash the carriers info. Bigger carriers like Sprint and Verizon will most likely do it for you at no problem. Because you pay a ridiculous amount and they say "Why not".
I was researching how to flash my Photon 4G to MetroPCS for hours upon hours, only to find out after visiting a metro store that all software to add the ESN to their database was taken away from allMetroPCS dealers. Their are some people that say they can flash it to metro on craigslist... but if metropcs has taken software from ALL Authorized Dealers.... then how are they doing it? Stay away from those because they are most likely cloning ESN's which is ILLEGAL and you can do fed time for it.
This is why i kept searching and searching and searching... i thought to myself "If THEY can do it, then i can learn how to do it no problem". So either A.) They are cloning ESN's or B.) I haven't done my research correctly and there is a work-around to get the ESN added to their database. If someone finds out, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW ! =)
If your goal is to save some money, have you considered Straight Talk? It seems like there's decent success using domestic gsm carriers, and it's pretty well documented:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1664212
chairman_meow said:
If your goal is to save some money, have you considered Straight Talk? It seems like there's decent success using domestic gsm carriers, and it's pretty well documented:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1664212
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seconded
Keep under 100MB data usage a day and you are golden. Been using them for just over a month now with AT&T's fauxG support.
exitpr0gram said:
I really cannot believe how people refuse to help on this subject. It requires a lot of research... but why help someone on almost every single other topic except this one? It's just retarded if you ask me...
But to save anybody who is trying to do the same thing that i was time, i will provide information that pretty much everyone else refuses to give.
If your flashing your CDMA device to a different carrier.... Ensure that they will add your phone's ESN to their database. If they DO NOT, then don't even bother starting up QPST or whatever you use to flash the carriers info. Bigger carriers like Sprint and Verizon will most likely do it for you at no problem. Because you pay a ridiculous amount and they say "Why not".
I was researching how to flash my Photon 4G to MetroPCS for hours upon hours, only to find out after visiting a metro store that all software to add the ESN to their database was taken away from allMetroPCS dealers. Their are some people that say they can flash it to metro on craigslist... but if metropcs has taken software from ALL Authorized Dealers.... then how are they doing it? Stay away from those because they are most likely cloning ESN's which is ILLEGAL and you can do fed time for it.
This is why i kept searching and searching and searching... i thought to myself "If THEY can do it, then i can learn how to do it no problem". So either A.) They are cloning ESN's or B.) I haven't done my research correctly and there is a work-around to get the ESN added to their database. If someone finds out, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW ! =)
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Click to collapse
NO, they are not cloning,whats happening here is that this stores still have Houdini credits left,soon as they use all this credits flash will be gone forever...(unless someone do it the illegal way)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
metalsnakebite said:
MOD EDIT....
Sorry that I didn't go into detail, hope this helps in your "educational endeavours ".
"the beauty of ignorance is possible denial, the disgust of the ignorant the lack of wanting to learn"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to see you try,lol
Also clonning is highly illegal...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Illegal Cloning
Ok Folks, listen up.
It's against XDA rules to discuss illegal activities. IE; Cloning of phones.
I think you all know this. This is to include suggestive or subtle "hints", as in "educational purposes only". It's also against rules to "urge or tempt" somebody to engage in such activities.
There are lots of sites that condone these activities, but XDA is not one of them.
Any further discussion of illegal activities will result in thread deletion.
MD
Sorry boss I was completely wrong to even hint such things my bad. Will never happen again.
"the beauty of ignorance is possible denial, the disgust of the ignorant the lack of wanting to learn"
Ok,when I said "would love to see you try" I didnt mean to tempt him,just trying to discourage him,btw wont happen again...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Related
So i've just signed up for a cell phone plan, they said is unlimited social networking browsing, didn't look at the fine print and they said is just for non-smart phone only...
I talked to their technical support and it looks like they check the phone's IMEI to determine what phone/model i am running... so i'm wondering if there is a way i could either change/hide my IMEI so that i can browse facebook and twitter with my current plan.
I asked the technical support what's the different between a regular phone browsing and a smart phone browsing, they said it has to do with the data compression and such... if that's the case, is there an app out there that i could use to simulate non-smart phone browser?
Changing your IMEI is illegal. It's your mobile's ID. International ID. Stolen mobiles have a 00000 etc IMEI, for instance. Some phones when wiped lose their IMEI. You can change it, but you could get in trouble. It's also very hard. Normally, only certain operator shops can reflash your phone and RESTORE your IMEI. I know this since I had an issue with that. 0'ed IMEI due to reset.
If they check your IMEI I don't think any app will solve that. But I'm not the best person to point you in the right direction.
Hum... i also have my old Samsung F488, if is possible i could use that one's IMEI, since i own both phone.
You'd be passing one phone as another. As a rule, tampering with your IMEI is illegal and operators only rarely restore it, if you have documentation proving the phone is yours. They don't change it.
When a phone is stolen, the IMEI is wiped so it can't be traced. That's why they won't change it nor restore it just like that... I doubt you'll have any luck asking for IMEI transfer...
sucks... ok thanks
You can try... I just wouldn't expect it to work. My experience comes from Portuguese operators, but it's probably the same all around.
From what i read, is legal to change it in North America. Is just lame that i'm paying for 50$ plan, but can't do zero browsing with this ****. I think i will have to roll back to some 30$ plan and only do text messaging with my smart phone lol..
Well, then you could try. Good luck then!
Yea, well the question remain, how. LOL
At least here, you need specialized shops, not all operator shops can do that, ask the nearest where your phone can be flashed to change the IMEI
codenamezero said:
From what i read, is legal to change it in North America. Is just lame that i'm paying for 50$ plan, but can't do zero browsing with this ****. I think i will have to roll back to some 30$ plan and only do text messaging with my smart phone lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disclaimer: I'm not from the U.S. so I might be wrong.
After some reading, there's no law in the U.S. that even talks about IMEIs, so technically it is legal to change it, however, since most if not all carriers changer certain things based on your IMEI I think that changing your IMEI would effectively violate your service contract (if they found out), so instead of trying to change your IMEI I'd go to your carrier and ask for an unlimited smartphone plan.
codenamezero said:
is there an app out there that i could use to simulate non-smart phone browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem here is not the app, it's the internet protocols that are used by different types of cellphones, see, dumb-phones use WAP as the internet protocol, whereas smartphones use plain HTTP.
Boy, I am sick of ignorant goofballs spewing 'It's illegal' with no facts whatsoever to back their opinion up.
IF IT IS ILLEGAL, TELL ME WHAT LAW IT VIOLATES OR SHUT UP!
Seriously, this is a valid question that goes to a host of privacy and fair use issues, and I cannot believe that no one has any facts to share. I could give a hoot less if you think that just because it is a serial number it is somehow forbidden by God that you should mess with it. Personally, I would love to have a smartphone without having to pay for wireless data. The country would be up in arms if the cable company decided to charge you extra because your TV is capable of receiving HD signal, so why are we such sheep that we all pony up for data plans we don't really need? Nearly everywhere I go with my phone, even in a rural state, has WiFi. I need a data plan like I need silk boxers.
OwenW71 said:
Boy, I am sick of ignorant goofballs spewing 'It's illegal' with no facts whatsoever to back their opinion up.
IF IT IS ILLEGAL, TELL ME WHAT LAW IT VIOLATES OR SHUT UP!
Seriously, this is a valid question that goes to a host of privacy and fair use issues, and I cannot believe that no one has any facts to share. I could give a hoot less if you think that just because it is a serial number it is somehow forbidden by God that you should mess with it. Personally, I would love to have a smartphone without having to pay for wireless data. The country would be up in arms if the cable company decided to charge you extra because your TV is capable of receiving HD signal, so why are we such sheep that we all pony up for data plans we don't really need? Nearly everywhere I go with my phone, even in a rural state, has WiFi. I need a data plan like I need silk boxers.
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Click to collapse
Two things:
1) Since nobody's been anything but a nice person trying to help I think your reaction is way out of line, no need to YELL or BOLD your opinion in order to be heard.
2) If you had taken a moment to read the entire post you would've read this:
Akath19 said:
After some reading, there's no law in the U.S. that even talks about IMEIs, so technically it is legal to change it, however, since most if not all carriers change certain things based on your IMEI I think that changing your IMEI would effectively violate your service contract (if they found out), so instead of trying to change your IMEI I'd go to your carrier and ask for an unlimited smartphone plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that answers your question in a very civil and decent way, but since you might not get it that way, here's the answer in your own style:
THERE IS NO F-ING LAW THAT EVEN TALKS ABOUT IMEI, SO NO LAW = LEGAL
I was just stating an opinion regarding the fact that changing your IMEI is kinda immoral considering that that practice is done mostly on stolen phones in order to use them on any network after they've been reported.
So to put it plainly there is no law that forbids it and it'd be nice if you read posts before attacking the posters.
While I agree that yelling is normally in bad taste, I feel strongly that someone needs to be yelling about this. In every forum I go to, every time this question is asked we get flooded with meaningless opinions, nearly every one of them saying that even thinking it is illegal. Rubbish. Up until very recently, IMEI numbers stood a good chance of not even being unique, and even now many may not be, since phone manufacturers are assigned blocks of numbers, and it is up to them to govern the assignment of the IMEI to the hardware.
As it stands, GSM operators in the US are using your IMEI number to make sure you are being charged for a data plan if you use a smartphone, even if you don't want a data plan.
I, for one, would like my provider to think I'm using a RAZR or any other dumbphone, and the only way to do it is to spoof my IMEI. I don't believe it is illegal to do so, although my provider would surely be peeved. iPhone users can do this with a bit of software.
Here is what I'd like to see from this conversaation:
1. Establish conclusively that IMEI changes are legal.
2. Discuss methods by which a new IMEI could be entered in software.
3. Avoid discussing how the carriers may feel about it. We already rooted, right?
Again, I apologize for ruffling feathers by shouting. I hope the message came across to those with opinions but no facts. This is a legitimate question of fair-use, and I'd love to hear from someone who has facts regarding the legality of this idea. Even better, I'd welcome a way to actually accomplish the change.
Thank you for your answer, I honestly thought that you were just flaming for flaming's sake.
Sadly there's not much info anywhere besides a lawyer's office, after some serious digging, most people seem to think that changing an IMEI in the US is a Class C felony, however no one knows exactly where is that law written.
I'd also advise you on asking these kinds of things in the forum 'cause I know people have been banned for asking these kinds of things. I know that's stupid but some mods in the forum think that just asking a question about something illegal in certain countries constitutes a felony in an of itself.
So, to sum things up:
1) Apparently it's illegal to change your IMEI, but I'd consult with a lawyer to know exactly where is that written.
2) People in general think that just talking about illegal activities is a felony so I'd expect much hate towards you for asking.
3) IMEI's in smartphones are not software based, meaning if you want to change it you'd need to isolate the chip on which they're located and change it with dongles and flasher tools (not software)
Sorry that I can't say anymore but I'm not from the US so that's all the info I can gather.
I do know in the uk it is a arrestable offense to change a phones imei no., dont know about anywere else.
I found a seller on eBay that changed my IMEI for $50. I bet he can give you any IMEI you want. He claims to change the mother board with that of a different IMEI but im sure he is just using the flash tools I read about wile doing google searches. The flash tools are physical items that connect into the phones usb port and or directly to the chip on the motherboard. They cost about $500. There are also ways to do it via software on some phones especially androids but there is more risk involved for the do it your selfer.
I am such a do it your selfer and after reading about it for 12 hours I decided that id have to read about it for 3 more before I felt comfortable and even then the risk of bricking was greater then having the pros do it for me. This high risk level is why you dont see much talk of the processes in the forums online. The pros know its best to use the hardware so they buy it and protect the process by not disclosing it online. The talk of its process that I did find on line involves so many abbreviations and new terms that I was heavily burdened with not understanding.
The bottom line is unless you plan on doing it for an income its not worth learning how to do.
Now back to the original question. Will the internet work on a smart phone if you change the IMEI to that of a none smart phone? Will you be stuck using the carriers dumbed down WAP internet or have no internet at all? Maybe you could run some sort of dumb phone simulator to gain access to a dumb phones web browser program?
For those of you that want to rag on me for reviving an old thread. Know that many people like my self searching google for knowledge end up here and will see my post. Thats how I got here so this thread is not so dead after all. Threads that start with a real question need more real answers.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 PM ----------
Here is a software example of how to change the IMEI of a cretin android.
I doubt this app works on any other model.
http://changemtkimei.blogspot.com/
As I remember, I lost the IMEI (actually it was replaced by something like 00499010640000) on my Samsung Galaxy i9000 and Galaxy Tab P6200 when I SIM unlocked them, so at least on Samsung this is possible, the IMEI was stored in the EFS files.
Glad Sprint is taking the lead and getting rid of this!
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_new...s-disabling-controversial-carrier-iq-software
+1 I don't think the photon has it anyway but good stuff sprint and thanks for the link!
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
kwazytazz said:
+1 I don't think the photon has it anyway but good stuff sprint and thanks for the link!
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Photon doesn't have it, never has.
Another good reason to root and use custom ROMs
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
kusanagi-sama said:
The Photon doesn't have it, never has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I believe that stock Photon does have it. Lookout Security has a Carrier IQ detector in the marketplace. I found Carrier IQ on my stock photon. I installed cybik's CM7 and voila, no more Carrier IQ.
I have 3 issues here, #1. Carrier IQ and Sprint are clearly lying and this guy proved it. Maybe yes, they only use the network part of it, but they are clearly collecting everything else.
#2 No one ever asked me? If you asked me, I could make a choice (I likely would not, but still.)
#2. I have all my banking information that I access and other passwords from my Photon. So any hacker with 1/2 a brain could collect the same file and act as if he were me?
dsims7_2000 said:
I have 3 issues here, #1. Carrier IQ and Sprint are clearly lying and this guy proved it. Maybe yes, they only use the network part of it, but they are clearly collecting everything else.
#2 No one ever asked me? If you asked me, I could make a choice (I likely would not, but still.)
#2. I have all my banking information that I access and other passwords from my Photon. So any hacker with 1/2 a brain could collect the same file and act as if he were me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the photon doesnt have any known version of ciq on it... seriously guys im friends with k0nane... i had him check it out... not saying there isnt some new ****.. but all current forms of ciq that are documented are not here
1) cant always believe what you see.. i mean honetsly i dont know treve.. but as a dev i respect what hes done.. but he isnt playing on alevel feild IMO.. he is using a rooted phone and he isnt looking thru ciq's logs its adb logcat which... logs everything
#2 part one P i know im sorry im a jerk) you signed sprints contract right? did you really read all the terms of service? i sure as hell didnt but how much you wanna bet there is something in teh contract that says they can do that? :O
#2 part 2 there is only 2 ways this is gunna happen.. someone has a cell tower mocked up to intercept your cell signal and catch teh packets as they pass... or.. someone has physical access to your phone... at which point its moot because from what im guessing you save all your passwords etc?
rockettman said:
Actually, I believe that stock Photon does have it. Lookout Security has a Carrier IQ detector in the marketplace. I found Carrier IQ on my stock photon. I installed cybik's CM7 and voila, no more Carrier IQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tested my phone with Lookout Security and the other app that tests for this. The Photon DOES NOT have Carrier IQ.
kusanagi-sama said:
I tested my phone with Lookout Security and the other app that tests for this. The Photon DOES NOT have Carrier IQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a custom ROM? Unless you are on stock, you probably won't see it. The stock photon, does in fact have CIQ on it.
how about you go through init.rc and teh smali in services.jar and tell me that
trustgo mobile security cannot find it.
lookout says i do not have it
voovoo carrier iq detector says no
kinetoo carrier detector says NOT DETECTED
anti-ciq says " no needs to protect your phone"
ciq process killer says its not active
carrier iq cleaner told me congratulations your device does not have carrier iq
for ****s sake people.... take teh tinfoil off your head.. no one is gunna steal your gummy bears...
P.S these are all apps freely available on the market...
if you really want ill take teh time and learn how to make an app it will stop carrier iq on ths photon and atrix. but cuz of the time needed ill be charging 47 bucks per download let me know i i have any interested buyers...
rockettman said:
Are you using a custom ROM? Unless you are on stock, you probably won't see it. The stock photon, does in fact have CIQ on it.
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Click to collapse
^ is sadly mistaken
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
rockettman said:
Are you using a custom ROM? Unless you are on stock, you probably won't see it. The stock photon, does in fact have CIQ on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, this was and still is the stock ROM. Why don't you pay attention to what Shabby says, unless you're trying to troll.
Stock Photon does not have carrier IQ.
There is a small chance there might be some really new version of CIQ that nobody knows about, but no currently known versions of CIQ exist on a stock Photon.
@Shabby and your original post.
1. You are NOT a jerk. Right or wrong, everyone here has opinions. We collect them and try to get a solution to fix something, learn something, make something easier or look better. This does not make you a jerk.
#2 Part one: You are ALMOST correct. When I originally got Sprint, I did not read the contract. I signed it and grabbed the phone. When I got Evo, I did read the ENTIRE contract (Unlimited Data has it's limitations, such as using Photon as web server, streaming Porn website........)
#2 Part two: What about the phone hacking scandal in the UK? would that not go against what you stated? I mentione it because it's in the news today.
gsm has had a major exploit for a long time. ive yet to hear of anyone doing taht with cdma.. not to say that it cant happen... but really you have a much better chance of being phished... the odds that someone is smart enough to be able to build a fake tower, program it, collect your info and then use it (without being caught) in your local area (im talking within a mile of you at most)... just seems rather unlikley ya know?
and im sure in teh contract or in teh terms of service you agree to "network services" which can and do include everything we could possibly imagine :/
as for the jerk bit it was more of a reference that you had 2 2's in your first post and skipped #3
just read up on the uk stuff sounds like it was a hack done on the voicemail of a little girl who went missing... my guess is that the "media" doesnt understand teh difference between hacking a phone and dialing it and pressing every combination to get into her voicemail....
DAMM YOU JERK!!!!
I assume your GSM comment is because GSM is Global, so it has a much larger window for hackers. South Korea has WCDMA, but our CDMA cannot use it (Well, my Evo did not work!)
I did read the entire contract, have to admit, I did not understand 99.999999% of it. Just the what you can and cannot do with unlimted data.
As for the UK thing, now thinking, you are again correct. Anyone with a little time on their hands could get into your voicemail.
gsm has had a lot of flaws in it for a long time
also those gsm bastards got you again.. wcdma is a gsm technoloy cdma and cdma2000 are the ones most commonly used over here for "cdma"
Back on Topic, I would really like to see where this goes, I have personal reasons. Remember Apple got caught with their pants down and it dropped off. Now Carrier IQ.................
I have been in IT for over 25 years. All it takes is one bad Computer Operator at Sprint..............Granted, the chances of one of them getting MY data, looking at my Bank of America logon and PW, PowerBall or MegaMillion is better.
good to know and a valid reason to root root my phone!
Just tested my stock photon, no carrier IQ. Heres the proof i am rooted but i doubt that has anything to do with it
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Hey all,
I have an LG Optimus V and well, Ole' Bessie is burning through her final days. She just can't handle the workload as well as she used to. My friend offered to sell me his Photon because he is leaving Sprint soon. Virgin Mobile is picking up 4G soon so I was wondering if I could put the Photon on Virgin Mobile. I would do ESN swapping but I'm giving my OV to my mom so that is strictly out of the question. Do you think I could smooth talk a Best Buy employee into setting me up with a VM ESN or do you think maybe a customer service rep would maybe let it through? Considering the fact that they are both Sprint-run, I'd assume that there shan't be too much of a problem. I've read about people doing this kind of stuff with the Evo 4G where they call up Boost (also Sprint) and give them the phone's serial number. In alot of cases the reps just let it into the system. What are your thoughts on this, and has anyone gotten their Photon onto Virgin Mobile with stuff like MMS and 3G data working (I'm not too crazy about 4G because I live in the woods anyways so there is no 4G service near me)?
Thanks, worldindo1.
worldindo1 said:
Hey all,
I have an LG Optimus V and well, Ole' Bessie is burning through her final days. She just can't handle the workload as well as she used to. My friend offered to sell me his Photon because he is leaving Sprint soon. Virgin Mobile is picking up 4G soon so I was wondering if I could put the Photon on Virgin Mobile. I would do ESN swapping but I'm giving my OV to my mom so that is strictly out of the question. Do you think I could smooth talk a Best Buy employee into setting me up with a VM ESN or do you think maybe a customer service rep would maybe let it through? Considering the fact that they are both Sprint-run, I'd assume that there shan't be too much of a problem. I've read about people doing this kind of stuff with the Evo 4G where they call up Boost (also Sprint) and give them the phone's serial number. In alot of cases the reps just let it into the system. What are your thoughts on this, and has anyone gotten their Photon onto Virgin Mobile with stuff like MMS and 3G data working (I'm not too crazy about 4G because I live in the woods anyways so there is no 4G service near me)?
Thanks, worldindo1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From everything I have read on the subject the only way to do it would be illegally and with some know how.
CCallahan said:
From everything I have read on the subject the only way to do it would be illegally and with some know how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as I mentioned with ESN swapping, that isn't illegal. The "technically" illegal part is CDMA Workshop. But that is neither here nor there. I'll see if I can get Best Buy to do it for me.
worldindo1 said:
Well, as I mentioned with ESN swapping, that isn't illegal. The "technically" illegal part is CDMA Workshop. But that is neither here nor there. I'll see if I can get Best Buy to do it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post your results and let us know how that goes.
Also, here is a thread on Phandroid about this subject and if you check post 14+ Loki has said that ESN swapping is in fact illegal (even just talking about it): http://androidforums.com/motorola-p...ize-sim-card-does-photon-use.html#post4293152
I have no knowledge on the subject personally but have no reason to doubt it.
esn changing "swapping" is illegal. if you were repairing an esn it would however be okay. but spoofing an esn for that purpose is illegal.
i am not a moderator but i have seen posts like this many times and they all get shut down. so this post will probably end here.
ask virgin mobile if they'll allow you to use the photon on their network. that's about your only option.
na7q said:
esn changing "swapping" is illegal. if you were repairing an esn it would however be okay. but spoofing an esn for that purpose is illegal.
i am not a moderator but i have seen posts like this many times and they all get shut down. so this post will probably end here.
ask virgin mobile if they'll allow you to use the photon on their network. that's about your only option.
Click to expand...
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Again, au contraire. If I were to sit around and scan ESN numbers from OTHERS phones, that is illegal. If I have a preexisting service with VM, it's not illegal to do with my property what I please. In fact, since 2003 ESN swapping has not been illegal. Theft and using your own property are 2 different ballparks. Say I bought a 4G VM phone and used that phone's ESN for the Photon, I would be using the same service and the same data that I would with my donor phone. This sits in a gray area of law, where the uses and methods of obtaining the ESN determine it's legality or illegality. While I'm paying for my service, I own all of the data and numbers attached to my account. You have to step back to see the whole picture. And for the mods, this is NOT me asking how to change my ESN or instructing anyone in how to do so. I already know how. I just figured a bit of input might be wonderful, and to see if anyone has gotten their Photon on VM. I also did not make this thread to hash out the legality of ESN modification. I have rested my case above.
EDIT: Cloning was the word I was looking for. If you clone someone's ESN without permission or their prior knowledge, it's by every definition illegal. Normally just simply notifying the company that you have multiple phones (say you want a cheap phone to use for business trips), they will shrug and go, "Hmmph, whatever." This phone I'd be buying is unlocked anyways. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that mean I can go to any service I want?
This is my Tapatalk 2 signature. Rockin' the app on my Nook Color running ICS 4.0.4, courtesy of Dalingrin, Fattire, and our other beloved XDA weenies (nemith, keyodi, arcee, hacdan, etc.)... oh, can't forget eyeballer
I haven't heard of anyone being successful switching phone over to VM. Please let us know the outcome once you get further into the process.
I am considering buying a handset from a seller on ebay that is network blocked in Australia (my country).
Can this be undone by flashing a new ROM? Or is the block done on the hardware or at the nerwork level?
And what are you going to do with it pal.I'm not going to get abusive....,but surely your not that stupid.
Crachel/Mistahbungle its over to you..
Sent from my GT-I9100
You will need unlock code. Network lock is stored in EFS.
What's he saying that the seller got the phone network blocked (maybe didn't pay the bills or its stolen). The device is identified by the IMEI and that does not change regardless of what ROM you have on the device.
Changing of the IMEI is illegal.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
block is done on a network level by the provider.
I suggest you get the IMEI from the seller and phone your provider and find out the reason for the block.
If it is a simple thing, like non payment ofd bills, once you show that it is going on a new account, it maybe possible to unblock it.
If they consider the handset stolen, you will not be able to d anything.
Did you steal it? If you change the imei you will go to prison for a long time and the Americans will probably deport you to Guantanamo and soldiers will pee on you and stuff.
The reason I asked was because it was going cheap on eBay and I thought if I could unblock it it would be a cheap way to buy a phone.
And wow, some of the people who replied here make retarded look smart.
mrnaz said:
The reason I asked was because it was going cheap on eBay and I thought if I could unblock it it would be a cheap way to buy a phone.
And wow, some of the people who replied here make retarded look smart.
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Do you mean its its network locked, ie to one network or do you mean its blocked from all networks?
If its network locked you can download an app from market to unlock it, its easy and takes few minutes, called galaxy_unlock or somthing, worked for me.
If its blocked to all networks then you cant unblock it (easily) for use in same country as you would need to change it IMEI which is very illegal in most countries. However if you're importing it then it wont really matter as the networks wont be blocking it in another country. You should be able to just stick a sim card in and off you go.
So do some of the retards who consider buying phones that are IMEI blocked
Check. Your move.
mrnaz said:
The reason I asked was because it was going cheap on eBay and I thought if I could unblock it it would be a cheap way to buy a phone.
And wow, some of the people who replied here make retarded look smart.
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MistahBungle said:
So do some of the retards who consider buying phones that are IMEI blocked
Check. Your move.
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Not everyone is born with all of the knowledge that they are going to die with. Sometimes esoteric knowledge, such as the various details considering network blocking of communications devices, can be exchanged on internet forums where those who are well versed in those details can provide assistance to those who are not as familiar with them. Unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is polite to those who ask questions, or acknowledges that they may be experts in fields other than the one they are asking about. Consequently, they respond with sarcastic and unhelpful comments.
mrnaz said:
Not everyone is born with all of the knowledge that they are going to die with. Sometimes esoteric knowledge, such as the various details considering network blocking of communications devices, can be exchanged on internet forums where those who are well versed in those details can provide assistance to those who are not as familiar with them. Unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is polite to those who ask questions, or acknowledges that they may be experts in fields other than the one they are asking about. Consequently, they respond with sarcastic and unhelpful comments.
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Hello yes can be done find the right threads. Anything is achievable as long as u can get download mode
s2 RR jb siyah
mrnaz said:
Not everyone is born with all of the knowledge that they are going to die with. Sometimes esoteric knowledge, such as the various details considering network blocking of communications devices, can be exchanged on internet forums where those who are well versed in those details can provide assistance to those who are not as familiar with them. Unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is polite to those who ask questions, or acknowledges that they may be experts in fields other than the one they are asking about. Consequently, they respond with sarcastic and unhelpful comments.
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+1
You'll find a lot of them sort of people on here, thats why its got a bad name, plenty of helpful people left though, thank God!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
mrnaz said:
Not everyone is born with all of the knowledge that they are going to die with. Sometimes esoteric knowledge, such as the various details considering network blocking of communications devices, can be exchanged on internet forums where those who are well versed in those details can provide assistance to those who are not as familiar with them. Unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is polite to those who ask questions, or acknowledges that they may be experts in fields other than the one they are asking about. Consequently, they respond with sarcastic and unhelpful comments.
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Lol,this q + a section isnt a patch on the development section.See what happens when you ask stupid questions in there,or dont search the thread for questions that have been asked dozens of times before.
The only thing that I can imagine is that because eBay allows them to be listed,then it must be legal somehow then you think theres no harm done and you can "sort" the phone>you get cheap working phone.
If you were considering buying a used phone or water damaged one,then you wouldnt have got such a rough ride.
If blacklisted phones were simple to modify then it would lead to more phones getting stolen.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
+1 in the real world if u asked a simple question ud get a... Dunno or a sensible answer in a forum u usually get abuse because these people hide behind there screens. Face to face ud jus jaw the lairy ones.
Try to help everyone cos everyone knows something.
Hey all,
Just curious if anyone knows what happened to the following thread?
[Guide]EVO 4G, EVO 3D, EVO Shift 4G Flash To Page Plus
I have an Evo 3D on the way from eBay and I was planning to Flash it to Page Plus...thoughts?
Thanks!
eggdashure said:
Hey all,
Just curious if anyone knows what happened to the following thread?
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Sounds like a question for the "Ask a Moderator" thread in the stickies of this forum. I doubt that it was deleted by accident.
ramjet73
I would give ramjets suggestion a go but I would also like to give a little theory as to why it got deleted. When it comes to flashing your phone over to another carrier, you generally would have to clone your meid and ESN numbers to work with that particular carrier which is illegal. Since asking for help on that or posting guides on how to do that on xda ( xda being the law abiding organization it is) doesn't participate. One of the moderators took it down to keep things civil and legal. Still though to clear the air you should go ask one of them in their thread.
Thanks guys, I'll drop a line there.
This is all semantics, but I don't see how purchasing an off contract phone and setting it up with another carrier (I.E. Boost) is illegal. It seems that their whole business model follows this exact practice. Again, not arguing...just an observation. I'll drop a line in the "Ask a Mod" section.
Thanks!
Not trying to be an ass, but it's considered polite and courteous to thank people using the thanks button when you get an answer. I know you're new and it's ok, it just lets people know that they've helped
eggdashure said:
Thanks guys, I'll drop a line there.
This is all semantics, but I don't see how purchasing an off contract phone and setting it up with another carrier (I.E. Boost) is illegal. It seems that their whole business model follows this exact practice. Again, not arguing...just an observation. I'll drop a line in the "Ask a Mod" section.
Thanks!
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I agree with your observation. Now I can see if you was trying to flash to Verizon. But carriers like boost, page plus, metro pcs, and virgin mobile shouldn't be illegal. Even though years ago they passed a law where we can switch carriers legally but the process of switching over to another carrier (hence cloning the meid and ESN numbers) are illegal. Which boggles my mind lol
Did you see my post in the "Ask a Moderator" thread?
It looks like a copy of what was on XDA is still available.
ramjet73