Can one Mobile company unlock your phone from another ?

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03-02-2010, 09:04 AM
Balisurfer

Can one Mobile company unlock your phone from another ?

I have a new 3Gs & it's on AT&T. My iPhone is already at 3.1.3 what I'm wondering is if I take it to Telkomsel (indonesia iPhone carrier) can they unlock it from AT&T so I can use their network ? I know illegal in the USA but Here in Indo it's very corrupt so a few bucks can get a lot done. So is that possible to do ? or am I out of luck ?
03-02-2010, 10:10 AM
Olethros

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balisurfer

I have a new 3Gs & it's on AT&T. My iPhone is already at 3.1.3 what I'm wondering is if I take it to Telkomsel (indonesia iPhone carrier) can they unlock it from AT&T so I can use their network ? I know illegal in the USA but Here in Indo it's very corrupt so a few bucks can get a lot done. So is that possible to do ? or am I out of luck ?

It is Apple who authorises the unlock, they will look up the serial number of the phone and see it is with AT&T (who refuse to allow unlocks for their phones).

So some money to a telco in Indonesia probably will not help at all.

This is why buying an AT&T iPhone is not as cheap as you think it might be.

(situation was different with the 2G iPhone - we have a permanent unlock.
03-02-2010, 10:47 AM
Balisurfer

Oh ok thanks !!!!
03-02-2010, 11:17 PM
n1ckn4m3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olethros

see it is with AT&T (who refuse to allow unlocks for their phones).

Not trying to split hairs, but AT&T *will* unlock phones (other than the iPhone) for users who have over 1 year of service if you tell them that you're traveling overseas and need an alternate carrier. I've had them unlock a mess of Blackberries in my tenure.

That said, you're right, they won't unlock iPhones! Under *any* circumstance.
03-03-2010, 01:42 AM
Olethros

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1ckn4m3

Not trying to split hairs, but AT&T *will* unlock phones (other than the iPhone) for users who have over 1 year of service if you tell them that you're traveling overseas and need an alternate carrier. I've had them unlock a mess of Blackberries in my tenure.

That said, you're right, they won't unlock iPhones! Under *any* circumstance.

Thanks, I meant specifically iPhones.
03-04-2010, 03:57 PM
scudder

Shoulld have bought a UK O2 iPhone, they are unlocking them on request by the owner through iTunes. This is what competition does, competition means better deals for the consumer :-)

Sorry not helpful to OP but for anyone else buying from overseas go either officially unlocked or from a UK seller who has had it unlocked through O2/iTunes.
03-04-2010, 04:42 PM
Olethros

Quote:

Originally Posted by scudder

Shoulld have bought a UK O2 iPhone, they are unlocking them on request by the owner through iTunes. This is what competition does, competition means better deals for the consumer :-)

Sorry not helpful to OP but for anyone else buying from overseas go either officially unlocked or from a UK seller who has had it unlocked through O2/iTunes.

Same thing is possible in Norway where I live (competition is good).

The US has a way to fragmented mobile carrier industry. Different frequencies and even different mobile standards don't help create a competitive environment.

It would be interesting to see if someone could make up a chart comparing the cost of importing a factory unlocked phone versus getting one on contract and paying for it to be unlocked.