Database Info

Global Unlock for VZW GS3?

Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-

ahanecurren said:
Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a legitimate complaint to file with the FCC. On behalf of all those who own an S3, please contact them.

Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.

AlexDeGruven said:
Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you by chance read the law?
You don't actually believe the "future update" crap do you?

ancashion said:
Have you by chance read the law?
You don't actually believe the "future update" crap do you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Edit: Even if you're in the "Screw Verizon" crowd, there is much more incentive for them to unlock the GSM capabilities than to not. It would allow them to say "Hey look! We have the best coverage in the US, AND you can use it all over the world!", which is fantastic marketing.
For them to say they're going to unlock that and to not do it is marketing suicide. And if Verizon does one thing right, it's their marketing.

ancashion said:
You have a legitimate complaint to file with the FCC. On behalf of all those who own an S3, please contact them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Legitimate complaint??
Are you kidding me, where do people come up with this BS??

AlexDeGruven said:
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon IS screwing us though, again! Look at our bootloader and everyone else's, the rest of the world. And if this phone is a world phone with gsm capabilities, why lock it to begin with then promise to unlock it soon "in the future"? Do you actually believe that crap?
Put in an AT&T or T-Mobile sim in your phone first BEFORE rooting, it'll ask you for a sim unlock code, enter 000000 or 123456, that should unlock it. If it doesn't ask for a code, don't worry about it, root the phone (at your own risk) using the "Root66" method on this forum. Then go to this thread, whether you were able to unlock it with those generic codes or not.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775566
Read all the instructions. You should be able to get voice and SMS working for any gsm carrier, and you should be able to get 2G (maybe also 3G and HSPA+ on some gsm carriers) working, you'll have to find their APN settings and manually switch to those using the instruction in the linked page though. 2G has been confirmed working on AT&T and t-mobile, no one has been able to test 3G and HSPA+ on AT&T yet. Good luck.

AlexDeGruven said:
If they have said they will send out the update and they don't within the reasonable lifetime of the phone (2 years) then there would be an FCC case. But to state that right now is just plain "Oh man, look! Verizon is screwing us AGAIN" propaganda bs like 1/2 of everything else on this forum.
Edit: Even if you're in the "Screw Verizon" crowd, there is much more incentive for them to unlock the GSM capabilities than to not. It would allow them to say "Hey look! We have the best coverage in the US, AND you can use it all over the world!", which is fantastic marketing.
For them to say they're going to unlock that and to not do it is marketing suicide. And if Verizon does one thing right, it's their marketing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jmorton10 said:
Legitimate complaint??
Are you kidding me, where do people come up with this BS??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AlexDeGruven said:
Wait... What? This is so completely and utterly off-base, you're not even on the same field.
Verizon has stated that this phone's global GSM capabilities will be unlocked at a future time, just not right now.
There is no expectation from the FCC's viewpoint that a phone on a CDMA network should automatically be able to connect to GSM networks out of the box.
OP - There is a thread in development with some information that might be helpful.
Currently, the phone is not unlocked officially, but it will work with foreign SIM cards. As of right now, testing is pretty limited, as the APN configuration is not very easily edited on ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BS, you say? Off base, you say?
Here's the regulations regarding any device sold by Verizon as a "4g capable" phone...
§ 27.16 Network access requirements for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787
MHz bands.
(a) Applicability. This section shall apply only to the authorizations
for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787 MHz bands assigned and only if
the results of the first auction in which licenses for such
authorizations are offered satisfied the applicable reserve price.
(b) Use of devices and applications. Licensees offering service on
spectrum subject to this section shall not deny, limit, or restrict the
ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their
choice on the licensee's C Block network, except:
(1) Insofar as such use would not be compliant with published technical
standards reasonably necessary for the management or protection of the
licensee's network, or
(2) As required to comply with statute or applicable government
regulation.
(c) Technical standards. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this
section:
(1) Standards shall include technical requirements reasonably necessary
for third parties to access a licensee's network via devices or
applications without causing objectionable interference to other
spectrum users or jeopardizing network security. The potential for
excessive bandwidth demand alone shall not constitute grounds for
denying, limiting or restricting access to the network.
(2) To the extent a licensee relies on standards established by an
independent standards-setting body which is open to participation by
representatives of service providers, equipment manufacturers,
application developers, consumer organizations, and other interested
parties, the standards will carry a presumption of reasonableness.
(3) A licensee shall publish its technical standards, which shall be
non-proprietary, no later than the time at which it makes such
standards available to any preferred vendors, so that the standards are
readily available to customers, equipment manufacturers, application
developers, and other parties interested in using or developing
products for use on a licensee's networks.
(d) Access requests. (1) Licensees shall establish and publish clear
and reasonable procedures for parties to seek approval to use devices
or applications on the licensees' networks. A licensee must also
provide to potential customers notice of the customers' rights to
request the attachment of a device or application to the licensee's
network, and notice of the licensee's process for customers to make
such requests, including the relevant network criteria.
(2) If a licensee determines that a request for access would violate
its technical standards or regulatory requirements, the licensee shall
expeditiously provide a written response to the requester specifying
the basis for denying access and providing an opportunity for the
requester to modify its request to satisfy the licensee's concerns.
(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on
handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are
compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of
this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks.
(f) Burden of proof. Once a complainant sets forth a prima facie case
that the C Block licensee has refused to attach a device or application
in violation of the requirements adopted in this section, the licensee
shall have the burden of proof to demonstrate that it has adopted
reasonable network standards and reasonably applied those standards in
the complainant's case. Where the licensee bases its network
restrictions on industry-wide consensus standards, such restrictions
would be presumed reasonable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's too much to read, or too hard to comprehend, let me point out the specific part of those regulations...
(e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on
handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are
compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of
this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still too much.. let me make it a little clearer...
nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of
such handsets on other providers' networks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Verizon says, and admits, no, you cannot have the unlock code to make your device available for use on other networks like they did for the OP.
But Verizon says, and will supposedly, release an "update" to allow this feature. Mind you- a feature it was required by the above regulation to come with out of the box. So exactly when, will Verizon comply with the Regs? When someone complains loudly enough, that's when.
I'm open to discuss this, and it's meaning and how the FCC will interpret it but from where I'm sitting, it's pretty clear. The OP does, infact, have a legitimate complaint. I ain't full of **** nor off base.
How many other devices has Verizon released that do not comply with the above regulations? It isn't just the S3, that's for sure. It won't end here either unless we petition the powers that be to force them to comply, or, give up the block C frequencies for re-auction to a company who will comply.
Frankly, I'm disgusted with the pro-Verizon rhetoric that's invaded XDA recently. Are they astroturfing for Verizon? How does anyone find Verizon's business practices acceptable? I like Verizon for the pipe it offers me, not for meddling with my phones and rendering the software on my phone obsolete because it's locked out third party developers and the powers that be decide it "isn't worth putting the newest OS on" is a good enough excuse to scam you into purchasing a new phone.

newuser134 said:
Put in an AT&T or T-Mobile sim in your phone first BEFORE rooting, it'll ask you for a sim unlock code, enter 000000 or 123456.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?

roachkv said:
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't work the other way around.

roachkv said:
If this works, then why aren't folks buying non-VZW phones and putting VZW SIMs in them? That'd circumvent the whole locked bootloader thing, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not as simple as just switching the sim card on Verizon. Unlike the GSM networks, Verizon only allows devices that already have their ESN/MEID in the system.

Yes, should be working with proper steps..
ahanecurren said:
Is there currently any way to unlock a VZW GS3 so I could use a local sim internationally? I'm going to Spain at the end of August and need a data connection while away from the hotel. Verizon offers 100MB for $25, while Vodafone offers locally a pre paid sim with 1GB of data for around $23 USD. So obviously I want to use a Vodafone sim. I called both Samsung and Verizon who said each other were the ones responsible for globally unlocking the phone. So I was wondering if the Dev community has already found a solution or is currently working on a solution for this problem. Otherwise I will have to use an AT&T Blackberry Bold while there -shutter-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775566&page=10 has a lot of information. My post #95 details the steps that I have taken, and I can confirm that I was able to get it to work with a T-Mobile card. I am heading to Russia and will test it there in GSM mode with a local card. I have an HTC Incredible 2 world phone as backup which I know works.
The key is that you must use HiAPN to be able to edit/change the internal APN setting to allow for other Sim cards. ALso load Phone Info to change the radio setting. I've already loaded APN's for three different Russian companies and hope that I can just pop them in, change the APN, change the radio and be good to go.
Hope this helps.

Great Post!
My friend do you hang out in the irc channels too?
I have a question:
I am currently using the verizon samsung galaxy s3 (SCH-I535) and will be moving to Japan in September, what can you recommend me to do? I want to be able of use the s3 with either 3g, LTE oe 2g with any carrier in Japan. I know if I unlock the phone via root and unlock I can use the softbank (japan carrier) for call/text 2g not data plan though. But If that is the only thing I can do I will get a pocket wifi so I can have data wherever I go that way.
Any recommendations? I still can't understand about the global unlocking update coming to verizon s3 ?
Thank you in advance!
ancashion said:
BS, you say? Off base, you say?
Here's the regulations regarding any device sold by Verizon as a "4g capable" phone...
If that's too much to read, or too hard to comprehend, let me point out the specific part of those regulations...
Still too much.. let me make it a little clearer...
But Verizon says, and admits, no, you cannot have the unlock code to make your device available for use on other networks like they did for the OP.
But Verizon says, and will supposedly, release an "update" to allow this feature. Mind you- a feature it was required by the above regulation to come with out of the box. So exactly when, will Verizon comply with the Regs? When someone complains loudly enough, that's when.
I'm open to discuss this, and it's meaning and how the FCC will interpret it but from where I'm sitting, it's pretty clear. The OP does, infact, have a legitimate complaint. I ain't full of **** nor off base.
How many other devices has Verizon released that do not comply with the above regulations? It isn't just the S3, that's for sure. It won't end here either unless we petition the powers that be to force them to comply, or, give up the block C frequencies for re-auction to a company who will comply.
Frankly, I'm disgusted with the pro-Verizon rhetoric that's invaded XDA recently. Are they astroturfing for Verizon? How does anyone find Verizon's business practices acceptable? I like Verizon for the pipe it offers me, not for meddling with my phones and rendering the software on my phone obsolete because it's locked out third party developers and the powers that be decide it "isn't worth putting the newest OS on" is a good enough excuse to scam you into purchasing a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Verizon S3 Global Root Unlock
Can anyone tell me if i did this root and global unlock does that mean i can put a international verizon wireless plan and use it overseas or is this just to be able to use international SIM's?

I'm going to say it would be for local pre-paid SIMs only. If you call into Verizon and try to get international data on your line, it will throw up serious red flags for them. Verizon doesn't support (officially) this device to be used abroad yet. So if you call in saying you got it unlocked, you may get into a bit of a sticky situation.

ahanecurren said:
I'm going to say it would be for local pre-paid SIMs only. If you call into Verizon and try to get international data on your line, it will throw up serious red flags for them. Verizon doesn't support (officially) this device to be used abroad yet. So if you call in saying you got it unlocked, you may get into a bit of a sticky situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatively, one could do it, get into this sticky situation with them and invite the FCC in on the conversation.
I would love to have VZW chew my ass for some **** that they agreed to not block, just to turn around and use their information against them.
Oh, wait.. that's what I did with my FCC complaint! :silly:

ancashion said:
Alternatively, one could do it, get into this sticky situation with them and invite the FCC in on the conversation.
I would love to have VZW chew my ass for some **** that they agreed to not block, just to turn around and use their information against them.
Oh, wait.. that's what I did with my FCC complaint! :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never read anything about a grace period in the block c regulations so I wonder how vzw can get away with dragging their feet with the damn global unlock? I don't get why it's taking them so long. You won't be able to use it on say at&t or T-Mobile when it gets unlocked will you?

Imatoasta said:
I never read anything about a grace period in the block c regulations so I wonder how vzw can get away with dragging their feet with the damn global unlock? I don't get why it's taking them so long. You won't be able to use it on say at&t or T-Mobile when it gets unlocked will you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to provided your radio is compatible with the others network. That was the nature of block c's "openness" or the idea behind it anyways.
Vzw challenged the block c regs in court, after they made the purchase, and lost. I think they are being defiant on purpose.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

How to unlock and set up your SGS3 phone for world use.
I fyou have not yet seen this, go to this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314 and it will walk you through the steps that worked for me to use the Verizon Galaxy S3 overseas in GSM mode.
If it helps, give a thanks!

FCC bootloader complaint

Seems like we've had a minor victory against big red thanks to the recent FCC ruling. I wonder if our government will come through on the bootloader issue. Goodness knows our government wants to regulate when we can take a piss...
Politics aside, I made a consumer complaint to the FCC a couple weeks ago regarding the bootloader issue, and yesterday I got a call from Verizon executive offices stating that they received my complaint and will be responding to the FCC and will send their response to me as well.
Anybody who has made such a complaint, have you received a communication like this? Not getting my hopes up, but its surprising to get such a response.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Whoa, dude. You may have a good strategy. How do go about filing a complaint with them? What grounds would we have?
Good bye HTC Rezound, hello Galaxy S3!

I'm sure the response will be their normal excuse about customer support, user experience, etc. http://www.droid-life.com/2012/02/2...tails-their-stance-on-bootloaders/#more-63166

PJnc284 said:
I'm sure the response will be their normal excuse about customer support, user experience, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto

One thing will for sure happen, Verizon will make the same statements they have about security and network stability that they always have.
In order for something to be done about the bootloaders on already-shipped phones, 2 things MUST happen:
1. The FCC has to agree that locking the bootloaders on the phones is a violation of their Block C license (which would ONLY cover LTE-based devices, as those are the only devices that utilize Block C spectrum). This is a matter of quite some debate. In my readings of the issues, I feel like it could really go either way. Potentially, this most recent smackdown about tethering might swing things more in our favor.
AND
2. The FCC has to disagree with Verizon that locking the bootloaders is specifically for "Safety, security, and stability of the network" (their primary defense, and something that would give them an out), which is likely as other devices (Original Galaxy S, etc) have shipped with unlocked bootloaders and have not had any negative effects on the network, as well as Samsung's plans to drop a developers edition of the S3 with no lock.

AlexDeGruven said:
2. The FCC has to disagree with Verizon that locking the bootloaders is specifically for "Safety, security, and stability of the network" (their primary defense, and something that would give them an out), which is likely as other devices (Original Galaxy S, etc) have shipped with unlocked bootloaders and have not had any negative effects on the network, as well as Samsung's plans to drop a developers edition of the S3 with no lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I personally think Verizon's excuses are bull as they're cherry picking devices that either allow or don't allow it. Motorola has been the redheaded step child with every device after the OG droid being locked down while Samsung has been the opposite until the GSIII debacle. They even allow the unlock tools for certain HTC devices although those don't provide full S-OFF but the point is still there. Then you have the Galaxy Nexus which is easily unlocked and the mythical Developer GSIII coming soon.

Here is the story the OP is referring to for anyone confused: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/fcc-verizon-tethering/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

AndroidGraphix said:
Whoa, dude. You may have a good strategy. How do go about filing a complaint with them? What grounds would we have?
Good bye HTC Rezound, hello Galaxy S3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Www.FCC.gov. it wwould help to attach documentes supporting our stance, such as Verizon's b.s. excuse in their official statement, and the announcement of developer edition.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Here is my complaint:
"Of the major US cellular carriers, Verizon is the only one to have released the Samsung Galaxy SIII with a locked bootloader. This means slower development, and less customizability of the device. The devicce was purported by Samsung to be unlocked, so many people ordered this device under the impression that it would in fact be unlocked. There was nothing in Verizon's advertised specifications about a locked bootloader. Their explanation is that the device is locked to maintain the integrity of the network. That's all good, but we later learn that Samsung will be selling "developer edition" galaxy SIII's with unlockable bootloader for use on Verizon's network. How can Verizon say that and then allow such devices on their network. It appears that Verizon has swindled many customers to pay top dollar for a device that they cannot use to its full potential."
Again, I don't know if this will accomplish anythning but who knows?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

-SmithTech- posted an article that sites the block C rules
Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee’s standards pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers’ networks.
Including this I think is a better route when filing the complaint. I currently hold licenses with the FCC and find that when you site specific rules with them it can make the process much easier
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

So I guess the "Developer" edition VZW GS3 doesn't fall under verizons safety, network experience bullcrap then because it doesn't have a locked bootloader...
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

basically Verizon is full of **** and everyone knows it and we just have to find the best way of phrasing that legally.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

found this about the droid x
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/02/2...tails-their-stance-on-bootloaders/#more-63166
so if you file a complaint make sure that you cite the lte device without locked bootloaders and that those dont negative effect their network.. and we might want mention the release of the developmental version and that it is the same damn phone just with unlocked boot and the lack of that unlocked device effecting their precious network.. we might push some type of fraud agenda by making us by the same phone twice if so maybe we can get the Department of Consumer Affairs in on the fun

I also think Google wallet should be included as a violation either in the same complaint or a separate one since that also violates block c
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

trafalger888 said:
I also think Google wallet should be included as a violation either in the same complaint or a separate one since that also violates block c
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....

TechSavvy2 said:
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"it violates an FCC regulation. You see, Verizon owns a special segment of spectrum at 700 MHz. The purchase came with a rule: Verizon had "to allow customers to freely use the devices and applications of their choosing."
http://gizmodo.com/5930610/verizon-...pay-20-for-tethering-anymore?comment=51441897

TechSavvy2 said:
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite simply really exactly the reason they have to now allow tethering apps as per the FCC ruling and also as the poster above pointed our
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

csntqu few
You guys should see the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1779074
I think it has a good strategy when making your complaint to the FCC. Verizon is required to allow you to take your device to another carrier (US Cellular) and the locked bootloader prevents that.
Here is the complaint that I came up with that fits within the 1000 character limit:
Auction 73 Block C requirements, as can be seen in the following link, prevents Verizon from disabling features in their handsets.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/27.16
However, they go directly against this requirement by locking the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy S3. This handset has been released on every major carrier and Verizon is the ONLY carrier to disable this feature (unlocked bootloader) in their handset. This will "prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks".
They claim the lock is for "Network Security", but they allow an unlocked "developer edition" of the phone on the network. How can they hide behind "security" when their actions clearly contradict this?
Section (e): "No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers" -That is exactly what they have done.
I feel the FCC is lawfully obligated to force Verizon to uphold the Auction 73 Block C requirements; which means that they would need to unlock the bootloader on this handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I like how you worded that. Hopefully we can make some lee way. Reading all this after just switching to Verizon and finding out they have locked the boatloader really is disappointing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

We should flame their Twitter account as well. This needs lots of press. We should try contacting a couple editors of tech blogs like gizmodo or pc mag....
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Unlocking soon to be require on all US carriers

This is possibly AMAZINGLY good news for those of us here on xda who like to tinker (I think that's like...98%):
http://www.androidcentral.com/obama-administration-petitions-fcc-require-carriers-unlock-phones
Of course, this could just be SIM unlocked and not bootloader unlocked...have to wait and see.

It's carrier unlocking during the subsidization period or until the contract is settled and has nothing to do with the bootloader.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, we have the word "unlock" with two different meanings on Android phones.

Basically doesn't mean much if the devices you have can't be used on other carriers anyway.

Also doesn't really help Verizon or Sprint customers since they are not required to accept the others phones which I feel they should. Both are CMDA and while they have differing LTE bands they have refused for years and years to allow it.

Of course the government wants devices unlocked. Systemically easier to spy

RaptorMD said:
Also doesn't really help Verizon or Sprint customers since they are not required to accept the others phones which I feel they should. Both are CMDA and while they have differing LTE bands they have refused for years and years to allow it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will not work on the others network that's why they don't accept them
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Sim unlock. Not bootloader unlock.

[Q] U.S. buyers: mobile hotspot/tethering?

Can anybody who has purchased a device in the U.S. (either the U.S. or international version, but purchased from Motorola U.S. or a U.S. distributor) either confirm or deny this? www.fonearena.com/blog/88246/does-the-moto-g-lack-the-wifi-hotspot-feature.html
If you have a device purchased from the U.S. and *can* tether/enable and use the hotspot without difficulty, what carrier(s) have you tried it with?
Thanks!
-- Nathan

...nobody in the U.S. has so much as tried to turn on Mobile Tethering on their Moto G? :/
-- Nathan

Mine works
nlra said:
...nobody in the U.S. has so much as tried to turn on Mobile Tethering on their Moto G? :/
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfectly with Simple Mobile in NYC Which runs on T Mobile.

I live in the US and bought a Global 16gb Moto G. Hotspot tethering works fine.

Works fine for me 8gb us model on AIO wireless (AT&T)

kaw202 said:
Works fine for me 8gb us model on AIO wireless (AT&T)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why didn't you get the 16GB for only $20 more??? Seems like a no brainer really.

LordLugard said:
Why didn't you get the 16GB for only $20 more??? Seems like a no brainer really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly because I am cheap. Also, I don't take pictures, and all of my music comes from Pandora. So I usually only end up using 2Gb for a couple of ROM backups and a few apps. :good:

kaw202 said:
Mostly because I am cheap. Also, I don't take pictures, and all of my music comes from Pandora. So I usually only end up using 2Gb for a couple of ROM backups and a few apps. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, well if i know you in person i would just spot you the extra $20. My sis wants one and just like you was going for the 8GB model. Over my dead body i persisted, when it's only 20 for double storage.
Anyway, enjoy.

Brilliant; thanks everyone. Parents are looking to buy first smartphone, and were wondering about this feature in particular. If it works in the U.S., then I have to wonder what @motorola was smoking when they tweeted that it was disabled.
-- Nathan

nlra said:
Brilliant; thanks everyone. Parents are looking to buy first smartphone, and were wondering about this feature in particular. If it works in the U.S., then I have to wonder what @motorola was smoking when they tweeted that it was disabled.
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For all I know the kitkat update might disable it in the us.
Then again. These are unlocked devices and usually the carriers disable it.
Sent from my XT1032 using xda app-developers app

dannyfritz said:
For all I know the kitkat update might disable it in the us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. Any reason you (or anyone else) can think of why I couldn't load the Retail GB XT1032 firmware on a Retail US XT1032 (Global) phone?
dannyfritz said:
Then again. These are unlocked devices and usually the carriers disable it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of what I was hoping/expecting. The tweet threw me off. I wondered if Motorola caved to carrier demands that any phones they sell in the U.S. should just have tethering disabled, period, if they aren't going to sell them through the carriers and give them hooks to enabling or disabling it depending on how the account is built on the carrier's side.
-- Nathan

nlra said:
dannyfritz said:
For all I know the kitkat update might disable it in the us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, we're lucky: I just finished applying the 4.4.2 OTA to a "Global" edition U.S. Retail phone (XT1032), and can confirm that Portable Hotspot still works.
So Motorola tweeter did not know what he/she was talking about.
-- Nathan

nlra said:
Well, we're lucky: I just finished applying the 4.4.2 OTA to a "Global" edition U.S. Retail phone (XT1032), and can confirm that Portable Hotspot still works.
So Motorola tweeter did not know what he/she was talking about.
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, what's this crap about US carriers disabling tethering? Some of my mates complained about it a while back but i never got a straight ansver. All you need to do is root and install an app. No brainier really.

ares93 said:
Ok, what's this crap about US carriers disabling tethering? Some of my mates complained about it a while back but i never got a straight answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, as you say, crap. I don't know how things are in the rest of the world, but the mobile industry in the U.S. is a total disaster. Subsidized phones, SIM locks, and crappy preloaded software rule the day because the carriers are mortally afraid of losing control and becoming "dumb pipes", so they manufacture all this fake "value-add" out of thin air that is really nothing more than an illusion made from artificial restrictions.
Tethering is just another example of this. They want to control whether you can or cannot tether other devices to your phone and use its data connection, and since the carriers -- not the end-users! -- are by-and-large the phone manufacturers' direct customer, the carriers get their way and the handset manufacturers cater to their whims. So in the U.S., the "privilege" of being able to tether other devices to your phone is typically an additional service that the carriers usually charge extra for, or that is only included in some plans but not others.
I would argue that if you buy an unlocked phone, then none of the carriers that the phone can technically work on should have any say about how it functions. Thankfully, with the Moto G in the U.S. (at least the direct-to-customer GSM models), it does appear that this is the case. This is definitely *not* the case with all phones; if you are at all interested in reading about my experience with my unlocked iPhone, you can go here: http://www.anderson-net.com/~nathan/apple-broke-my-phone
ares93 said:
All you need to do is root and install an app. No brainier really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, sure, if you don't care about 1) having a stock software experience, or 2) warranty coverage. The stock tethering built into the OS is nearly always better than third-party solutions. And in the U.S., the handset manufacturers (Motorola included) can get away with legally voiding your hardware warranty if you tamper with the software (and with the way Motorola does boot loader unlocks through their website, they have records of each and every phone that has been unlocked). Which is, of course, absurd. But there you go.
-- Nathan

nlra said:
It is, as you say, crap. I don't know how things are in the rest of the world, but the mobile industry in the U.S. is a total disaster. Subsidized phones, SIM locks, and crappy preloaded software rule the day because the carriers are mortally afraid of losing control and becoming "dumb pipes", so they manufacture all this fake "value-add" out of thin air that is really nothing more than an illusion made from artificial restrictions.
Tethering is just another example of this. They want to control whether you can or cannot tether other devices to your phone and use its data connection, and since the carriers -- not the end-users! -- are by-and-large the phone manufacturers' direct customer, the carriers get their way and the handset manufacturers cater to their whims. So in the U.S., the "privilege" of being able to tether other devices to your phone is typically an additional service that the carriers usually charge extra for, or that is only included in some plans but not others.
I would argue that if you buy an unlocked phone, then none of the carriers that the phone can technically work on should have any say about how it functions. Thankfully, with the Moto G in the U.S. (at least the direct-to-customer GSM models), it does appear that this is the case. This is definitely *not* the case with all phones; if you are at all interested in reading about my experience with my unlocked iPhone, you can go here: http://www.anderson-net.com/~nathan/apple-broke-my-phone
Well, sure, if you don't care about 1) having a stock software experience, or 2) warranty coverage. The stock tethering built into the OS is nearly always better than third-party solutions. And in the U.S., the handset manufacturers (Motorola included) can get away with legally voiding your hardware warranty if you tamper with the software (and with the way Motorola does boot loader unlocks through their website, they have records of each and every phone that has been unlocked). Which is, of course, absurd. But there you go.
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How the hell is this legal? So admittedly, I've spent exactly 12 hours in the US, so I'm far from used to how stuff works over there. But what you just described is illegal in any other country I know of. Hell, you'd try to pull this crap in the EU and they'd kick you off the market faster than you can say "huh?".
Jesus, we can even unlock bootloaders, root and do practically whatever we want with the software and they cant void anything.

Tethering not working for mw
I came here thinking people were gonna have the same problem as me, my little brother has a moto g and my girlfriend has a nexus 5, they both use the 30 monthly t mobile plan and tethering does not work at all, it takes them straight the the t mobile log in page, We all live in the US and in the 30 dollar plan, tethering is included for free, my little brothers old phone allowed tethering , and that phone was a t mobile phone, not unlocked, so any ideas on the issue.

Aio version
kaw202 said:
Works fine for me 8gb us model on AIO wireless (AT&T)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have mine from Aio and there is no hotspot option even showing in the settings menu where it supposed to be.. Did you bring you own unlocked one to Aio or purchase it directly from Aio??

I need to know if one version of the phone has the hotspot disabled (Motorola vs Google Play version) since I'm thinking about getting the phone and using it on AT&T.
The phone seems great for the price, but I need the hotspot for my Chrome book.

Yes..I'm wanting a GSM model, and plan to use it on my Verizon prepay..and would like to enquire is Hotspot possible..my XT1028 does NOT have the option in settings..Does the US GSM have the option in settings, and is there a mod that can be done with SQlite Editor, like with many other Motorola models.?
sent by my 4.3_14.14.14
XT1028 (aka) Moto-G
The LAST American Cell Phone.!

NWKENT said:
Yes..I'm wanting a GSM model, and plan to use it on my Verizon prepay..and would like to enquire is Hotspot possible..my XT1028 does NOT have the option in settings..Does the US GSM have the option in settings, and is there a mod that can be done with SQlite Editor, like with many other Motorola models.?
sent by my 4.3_14.14.14
XT1028 (aka) Moto-G
The LAST American Cell Phone.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your getting it for Verizon then the CDMA version from the motorola website would be the best option for you. I don't know if that version has mobile hotspot or not but the US GSM does but it does not work for Verizon which is a CDMA company.

Poll: Would Verizon changing their bootloader policies make you return to them?

I'm writing a paper on Android bootloaders and security, profitability, and network performance and would like to get some of the enthusiast community's opinion.
The paper is framed as an internal proposal to Verizon Wireless management proposing further investigation into their current policies. Part of the paper involves investigating if Verizon Wireless (or ATT even) changing their locked bootloader policies and generally being more dev friendly would encourage those of us who have left them to return. This could provide a profit incentive by gaining new customers. While this would certainly not be a scientific poll, it should do for the purposes of a college paper.
So, again, the question is, would Verizon Wireless changing their locked bootloader policies cause those of you who left to return?
Please clarify your response below, and tell me if there's another option you'd like added to the poll.

JesusFreak316 said:
So, again, the question is, would Verizon Wireless changing their locked bootloader policies cause those of you who left to return?
Please clarify your response below, and tell me if there's another option you'd like added to the poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me to return to Verizon they would have to:
Allow bootloader unlocking.
Allow carrier unlocked phones on their network.
Allow their phones to be carrier unlocked to work on other networks.
Not charge so damn much.
Honestly, I don't think that your proposal would make any difference in profits. You could ask 100 random smartphone owners about the bootloader on their phone and maybe one or 2 could even have a clue what the bootloader is/does, and what an unlocked one means vs a locked one.

Planterz said:
For me to return to Verizon they would have to:
Allow bootloader unlocking.
Allow carrier unlocked phones on their network.
Allow their phones to be carrier unlocked to work on other networks.
Not charge so damn much.
Honestly, I don't think that your proposal would make any difference in profits. You could ask 100 random smartphone owners about the bootloader on their phone and maybe one or 2 could even have a clue what the bootloader is/does, and what an unlocked one means vs a locked one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input.
Hopefully carrier unlocked phones will happen with VoLTE only phones, but that's still speculating now as to whether the FCC band 13 restrictions apply to other services and not just data.
Little known fact, but Verizon is the only carrier that has to have all their LTE devices be carrier unlocked due to the aforementioned FCC rules.
Heh, that last reason is mostly what I meant by other reasons in the poll.
Certainly, I know the enthusiast community is barely a drop in the bucket compared to everyone else, but what I'm wondering is if they are not only missing out on revenue, but are also spending money on extra locks for the devices that don't really protect the network, as nothing on XDA can touch the modem. It's a case of why not, with possibly good publicity in the influential tech community.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app