Unlocking your cell phone
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My family will travel to China this summer. A friend told me that if we "unlock" our cellphones, we can purchase sim cards and use the phones in China. So I called AT&T since I baught the phones along with the service contract from them. First the operator told me that AT&T has an international plan and I don't need to do anything with the phone for using it in China. However, I learned that it costs me $2.35 per minute. Assuming we use only 300 minutes per month, that's over $700! No, I just want to unlock the three phones so that I can use cheaper plan there. Then the operator asked me for "proof of purchase", I had to fax the receipt to AT&T. Why? I baught the phones from them and all three phones are active. Isn't verifying my date of birth/mother's maiden name/model of my first car/social security number enough to prove that I am the owner? Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones? Finally, I found the receipt. This time proof of purchase is no longer needed. I have to give them the three 15 digit serial numbers for my three phones. However, my phone still can't be unlocked. The operator opened a "task" for my request, someone from AT&T will call me in three days to get this resolved. I told the operator her management are idiots, she laughed, and almost said YES.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones?
I'm not sure if the same where you are, but in the UK when you purchase a phone with a contract it is heavily subsidised, many times it will even be free. Sometimes there are even other things given away free with it too such as laptops / HD TVs etc. The SIM locking of the phone to only use a SIM of the network subscribed to helps to protect the network and the subsidy they have provided. Even the Pay As You Go (pre pay) phones are subsidised so they are SIM locked too. Most networks provide a SIM only option so you can get the contract and SIM from them/a retailer (or a pre pay SIM), but provide your own SIM free phone. Most people don't want to pay the full price for the phone though so get one of the subsidised options - but then moan when they can't use it as SIM free! This is also the reason for the security around it. The IMEI (15 digit serial) is required to generate the unlock code which is why they requested that - also they can check that it is the handset that you originally purchased.
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus) -
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones?
I'm not sure if the same where you are, but in the UK when you purchase a phone with a contract it is heavily subsidised, many times it will even be free. Sometimes there are even other things given away free with it too such as laptops / HD TVs etc. The SIM locking of the phone to only use a SIM of the network subscribed to helps to protect the network and the subsidy they have provided. Even the Pay As You Go (pre pay) phones are subsidised so they are SIM locked too. Most networks provide a SIM only option so you can get the contract and SIM from them/a retailer (or a pre pay SIM), but provide your own SIM free phone. Most people don't want to pay the full price for the phone though so get one of the subsidised options - but then moan when they can't use it as SIM free! This is also the reason for the security around it. The IMEI (15 digit serial) is required to generate the unlock code which is why they requested that - also they can check that it is the handset that you originally purchased.
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus)I would buy the subsidy argument if it were possible to routinely purchase unsubsidized, factory new phones, with warranties independent of cell phone companies. It is really just a scam, period.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
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I would buy the subsidy argument if it were possible to routinely purchase unsubsidized, factory new phones, with warranties independent of cell phone companies. It is really just a scam, period.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
I would buy the subsidy argument if it were possible to routinely purchase unsubsidized, factory new phones, with warranties independent of cell phone companies
It is. Walk into any shop or visit nearly any web site and ask/look for SIM free. There's a much wider choice than any network provides. It just costs more £/$/¥. UK BuyMobilePhones.net SIM Free section.[^]
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus) -
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
I would buy the subsidy argument if it were possible to routinely purchase unsubsidized, factory new phones, with warranties independent of cell phone companies
It is. Walk into any shop or visit nearly any web site and ask/look for SIM free. There's a much wider choice than any network provides. It just costs more £/$/¥. UK BuyMobilePhones.net SIM Free section.[^]
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus)Don't forget which side of the pond I live on. The only phones I can buy unlocked don't seem to come attached with their warranties.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
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I would buy the subsidy argument if it were possible to routinely purchase unsubsidized, factory new phones, with warranties independent of cell phone companies. It is really just a scam, period.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
You can do that in the UK, but they cost an absolute fortune
Help me! I'm turning into a grapefruit! Buzzwords!
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Don't forget which side of the pond I live on. The only phones I can buy unlocked don't seem to come attached with their warranties.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
Don't forget which side of the pond I live on
Nokia US[^] Sony Ericsson US[^] I've only checked out those two, but most manufacturer's will let you but direct from them.
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus) -
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
Don't forget which side of the pond I live on
Nokia US[^] Sony Ericsson US[^] I've only checked out those two, but most manufacturer's will let you but direct from them.
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus)Nice, back in the day when I tried to do it the manufacturers laughed at me on the phone. I guess now I can.
Need custom software developed? I do C# development and consulting all over the United States. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane
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Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones?
I'm not sure if the same where you are, but in the UK when you purchase a phone with a contract it is heavily subsidised, many times it will even be free. Sometimes there are even other things given away free with it too such as laptops / HD TVs etc. The SIM locking of the phone to only use a SIM of the network subscribed to helps to protect the network and the subsidy they have provided. Even the Pay As You Go (pre pay) phones are subsidised so they are SIM locked too. Most networks provide a SIM only option so you can get the contract and SIM from them/a retailer (or a pre pay SIM), but provide your own SIM free phone. Most people don't want to pay the full price for the phone though so get one of the subsidised options - but then moan when they can't use it as SIM free! This is also the reason for the security around it. The IMEI (15 digit serial) is required to generate the unlock code which is why they requested that - also they can check that it is the handset that you originally purchased.
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus)DaveyM69 wrote:
I'm not sure if the same where you are, but in the UK when you purchase a phone with a contract it is heavily subsidised, many times it will even be free. Sometimes there are even other things given away free with it too such as laptops / HD TVs etc.
Thanks for your explanation. I think the point is, I am not trying to switch to a new plan, while in China I still have to pay the same monthly phone bill to AT&T regardless I use the service or not. I just don't want to pay for AT&T's international rate in China. $2.35 a minute? Give me a break.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
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Suggestion, BUY a phone in china, a bog basic one is very cheap, do it on PAYG and then 'donate' it to a local before you leave! It is by far and away the best way. Also remember that in China only the cities are covered by signal once you get rural they do not work.
------------------------------------ "Possessions make you poor, wealth is measurable only in experience." Sun Tzu 621BC
Dalek Dave wrote:
Suggestion, BUY a phone in china, a bog basic one is very cheap, do it on PAYG and then 'donate' it to a local before you leave!
That's a good suggestion. But I heard in China they have much fancier phones than in the US, cell phone is a symbol of status there.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
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My family will travel to China this summer. A friend told me that if we "unlock" our cellphones, we can purchase sim cards and use the phones in China. So I called AT&T since I baught the phones along with the service contract from them. First the operator told me that AT&T has an international plan and I don't need to do anything with the phone for using it in China. However, I learned that it costs me $2.35 per minute. Assuming we use only 300 minutes per month, that's over $700! No, I just want to unlock the three phones so that I can use cheaper plan there. Then the operator asked me for "proof of purchase", I had to fax the receipt to AT&T. Why? I baught the phones from them and all three phones are active. Isn't verifying my date of birth/mother's maiden name/model of my first car/social security number enough to prove that I am the owner? Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones? Finally, I found the receipt. This time proof of purchase is no longer needed. I have to give them the three 15 digit serial numbers for my three phones. However, my phone still can't be unlocked. The operator opened a "task" for my request, someone from AT&T will call me in three days to get this resolved. I told the operator her management are idiots, she laughed, and almost said YES.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳
It works! I've had 'Fix unicode names in forums' as a TODO forever. And I didn't even change anything. Whoa. I'm good.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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My family will travel to China this summer. A friend told me that if we "unlock" our cellphones, we can purchase sim cards and use the phones in China. So I called AT&T since I baught the phones along with the service contract from them. First the operator told me that AT&T has an international plan and I don't need to do anything with the phone for using it in China. However, I learned that it costs me $2.35 per minute. Assuming we use only 300 minutes per month, that's over $700! No, I just want to unlock the three phones so that I can use cheaper plan there. Then the operator asked me for "proof of purchase", I had to fax the receipt to AT&T. Why? I baught the phones from them and all three phones are active. Isn't verifying my date of birth/mother's maiden name/model of my first car/social security number enough to prove that I am the owner? Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones? Finally, I found the receipt. This time proof of purchase is no longer needed. I have to give them the three 15 digit serial numbers for my three phones. However, my phone still can't be unlocked. The operator opened a "task" for my request, someone from AT&T will call me in three days to get this resolved. I told the operator her management are idiots, she laughed, and almost said YES.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
Where I live unlocking is done for a few euros by the guys that repair phones. It only takes them a few seconds to do it. Easy money, what can I say... However, in theory doing so voids your warranty.
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Dalek Dave wrote:
Suggestion, BUY a phone in china, a bog basic one is very cheap, do it on PAYG and then 'donate' it to a local before you leave!
That's a good suggestion. But I heard in China they have much fancier phones than in the US, cell phone is a symbol of status there.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
Xiangyang Liu ??? wrote:
Xiangyang Liu ???
OK, Maybe things aren't working as I'd hoped. That's odd.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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DaveyM69 wrote:
I'm not sure if the same where you are, but in the UK when you purchase a phone with a contract it is heavily subsidised, many times it will even be free. Sometimes there are even other things given away free with it too such as laptops / HD TVs etc.
Thanks for your explanation. I think the point is, I am not trying to switch to a new plan, while in China I still have to pay the same monthly phone bill to AT&T regardless I use the service or not. I just don't want to pay for AT&T's international rate in China. $2.35 a minute? Give me a break.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
I agree totally - roaming costs are rediculous. If you can't get it unlocked... either buy a phone for use there before you go - or once you've arrived. You don't need anything all singing and dancing if it's only going to be used briefly. Get the cheapest piece of cr@p you can find, it'll be less likely to get stolen too! When you come home - take out the battery and stick it in a draw and it'll be ready for next time. Check out what frequency you need and the phone supports it if buying before you go - there are four GSM frequencies used (mainly) throughout the world: 850, 900, 1800 & 1900MHz. I beleive the US uses 1900MHz, Europe uses 900 and 1800...
Dave
BTW, in software, hope and pray is not a viable strategy. (Luc Pattyn)
Visual Basic is not used by normal people so we're not covering it here. (Uncyclopedia)
Why are you using VB6? Do you hate yourself? (Christian Graus) -
My family will travel to China this summer. A friend told me that if we "unlock" our cellphones, we can purchase sim cards and use the phones in China. So I called AT&T since I baught the phones along with the service contract from them. First the operator told me that AT&T has an international plan and I don't need to do anything with the phone for using it in China. However, I learned that it costs me $2.35 per minute. Assuming we use only 300 minutes per month, that's over $700! No, I just want to unlock the three phones so that I can use cheaper plan there. Then the operator asked me for "proof of purchase", I had to fax the receipt to AT&T. Why? I baught the phones from them and all three phones are active. Isn't verifying my date of birth/mother's maiden name/model of my first car/social security number enough to prove that I am the owner? Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones? Finally, I found the receipt. This time proof of purchase is no longer needed. I have to give them the three 15 digit serial numbers for my three phones. However, my phone still can't be unlocked. The operator opened a "task" for my request, someone from AT&T will call me in three days to get this resolved. I told the operator her management are idiots, she laughed, and almost said YES.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
AT&T unlocked both mine and my daughters cell phones last summer with no problems. Had to provide the IMEI number and they emailed us when the unlocking was complete. We then purchased sim cards at the car phone warehouse in London and they worked perfectly. I think we were getting a 10p per minute rate to the US versus the $2+ a minute AT&T international roaming rate.
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Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳
It works! I've had 'Fix unicode names in forums' as a TODO forever. And I didn't even change anything. Whoa. I'm good.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
The awesome power of wishful thinking saves the day again! :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳
It works! I've had 'Fix unicode names in forums' as a TODO forever. And I didn't even change anything. Whoa. I'm good.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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AT&T unlocked both mine and my daughters cell phones last summer with no problems. Had to provide the IMEI number and they emailed us when the unlocking was complete. We then purchased sim cards at the car phone warehouse in London and they worked perfectly. I think we were getting a 10p per minute rate to the US versus the $2+ a minute AT&T international roaming rate.
Out of curiosity, had badly was anyone calling you getting shafted for making an international call while you had the sims swapped?
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains. -- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
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My family will travel to China this summer. A friend told me that if we "unlock" our cellphones, we can purchase sim cards and use the phones in China. So I called AT&T since I baught the phones along with the service contract from them. First the operator told me that AT&T has an international plan and I don't need to do anything with the phone for using it in China. However, I learned that it costs me $2.35 per minute. Assuming we use only 300 minutes per month, that's over $700! No, I just want to unlock the three phones so that I can use cheaper plan there. Then the operator asked me for "proof of purchase", I had to fax the receipt to AT&T. Why? I baught the phones from them and all three phones are active. Isn't verifying my date of birth/mother's maiden name/model of my first car/social security number enough to prove that I am the owner? Why didn't they ask for proof of purchase (or my permission) when locking my phones? Finally, I found the receipt. This time proof of purchase is no longer needed. I have to give them the three 15 digit serial numbers for my three phones. However, my phone still can't be unlocked. The operator opened a "task" for my request, someone from AT&T will call me in three days to get this resolved. I told the operator her management are idiots, she laughed, and almost said YES.
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
There are "base level" phones being sold for 15 EUR. No, they don't have the best technology, but they work. I had one of those as an emergency phone, placed in the glove compartment of my car. I'm pretty sure you can get one of those in China for even less. There even is another reason for buying a phone there: You need to check that your phones are of the multi-band type and that they can cover chinese frequencies. Otherwise they could be unusable in China - I don't know which frequencies they use, however.
Cheers, Sebastian -- "If it was two men, the non-driver would have challenged the driver to simply crash through the gates. The macho image thing, you know." - Marc Clifton
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Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳 wrote:
Xiangyang Liu 刘向阳
It works! I've had 'Fix unicode names in forums' as a TODO forever. And I didn't even change anything. Whoa. I'm good.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
-
The awesome power of wishful thinking saves the day again! :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
Long live the optimists! :)
My .NET Business Application Framework My Home Page My Younger Son & His "PET"
