http://www.theatlantic.com/business...now-a-crime-to-unlock-your-smartphone/272552/
Unlock != root. Root allows you to run system level code on the device, while unlocking means removing the carrier lock which keeps the device tied to the network provider you bought it from - at least that's traditionally how it works.
Buy a phone from AT&T and it won't work on any other network by default if you were to put a competitor's SIM card in the device because it's "locked" to only work with AT&T's network, just as an example of what being locked means. Of course, providers are free to sell their devices completely unlocked but you end up paying full price for such devices - when the device is locked to a carrier they're under the hope that if you're "stuck" with them for the contract period (most likely the 2 year standard) that you being their customer for that length of time lets them recoup the cost of the phone that they paid so they could then sell it to you at a big discount and still make profit on top of that in the long run.
While I'm not going to tell anyone they should "break the law," I will saw that stupid immoral pointless laws are stupid, immoral, and pointless.
Related
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128772296
"Another exemption will allow owners of used cell phones to break access controls on their phones in order to switch wireless carriers."
Apple's restrictive obsession finally bit them in the a$$...
This is fine and dandy indeed, but do you really think the wireless service providers aren't going to throw heaps of lobbyist money to thwart this effort?
All phones in the USA should come sim unlocked prior to buying the phone. Carriers should worry and concentrate on their data supplied and packages.
Not worry about "locking" down cells lure buyers to their company because they sim locked the phone to their network.
USA needs too learn a few more things from Europe.
Yes but what about the case of Verizon phones where they don't use SIM cards? would they be required to switch to an "unlockable" phone setup? I'm thinking no, in which case what you may see in the case of other carriers is that their special phones (like iphone) are going to be locked down in the same manner as Verizon, i.e. SIM cardless
monty_boy said:
This is fine and dandy indeed, but do you really think the wireless service providers aren't going to throw heaps of lobbyist money to thwart this effort?
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It's apparently a done deal.
The DOJ has also launched a probe into the legality of the Apple/ATT deal... Something like 90% of their cases always win. So in other words, when the DOJ launches an investigation against you, you're screwed (they basically have the case built, just not officially).
Like I said earlier, Apple shot themselves in the foot with this one.
the problem si that there still lowed to put these restrictions on in the first place. there should be an option in a menu somewhere that says hey do you want to only user the appstore or would you like to be able to sideload apps. from those ive spoken to over 90% of people don't understand what a root or jailbreak is.
Hepæstus said:
Yes but what about the case of Verizon phones where they don't use SIM cards? would they be required to switch to an "unlockable" phone setup? I'm thinking no, in which case what you may see in the case of other carriers is that their special phones (like iphone) are going to be locked down in the same manner as Verizon, i.e. SIM cardless
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Verizon and have been switching their phones over to sim compatible
is there a reason why the MOST IMPORTANT site isnt linked...
https://www.eff.org/press/archives/2010/07/26
GG KK THX BYE!
But... Warranty? will be void still? I don't see nothing about this.
Ummm... Maybe the NPR article took this out of context.
On EFF's request, the Librarian of Congress renewed a 2006 rule exempting cell phone unlocking so handsets can be used with other telecommunications carriers. Cell phone unlockers have been successfully sued under the DMCA, even though there is no copyright infringement involved in the unlocking. Digital locks on cell phones make it harder to resell, reuse, or recycle the handset, prompting EFF to ask for renewal of this rule on behalf of our clients, The Wireless Alliance, ReCellular and Flipswap. However, the 2009 rule has been modified so that it only applies to used mobile phones, not new ones.
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This seems to mean that the carrier can still lock them, they just can't refuse to unlock them after purchase (IE, after becoming "used").
newalopez said:
But... Warranty? will be void still? I don't see nothing about this.
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This is all about copyright... In other words, you bought the device you can do what the hell you want with it and Apple can't sue you.
This doesn't mean the App Store is going away or anything else, it basically just establishes into law that Apple can't hold someone at fault for using a device the way they want to use it.
If you do things to the device that aren't supported, you're still SOL. If you pour anti-freeze into your oil of your vehicle, for instance, Toyota or whomever isn't going to support it if you don't follow their manual.
So yes, they still have every right to void your warranty. However as usual, flashing back to stock firmware will net you warranty terms again obviously.
Hhmmm...
How will this ever be enforced? Will the carriers do in store unlocks for "used" phones? Can me and a friend buy phones, sell it to each other for $1 and get them unlocked on the spot!?
...this is gonna be CHAOS! lol
Gootah said:
How will this ever be enforced? Will the carriers do in store unlocks for "used" phones? Can me and a friend buy phones, sell it to each other for $1 and get them unlocked on the spot!?
...this is gonna be CHAOS! lol
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No it won't be chaos... It really doesn't change much. Instead of doing it after 180 days they're required to as soon as it's "used" (I guess as soon as you buy it??). It also establishes more of a no-questions-asked policy versus having to tell them you travel internationally or something.
The main gist of this thing was aimed at Apple, this just happened to be a side affect.
Well at least here in my country (Portugal), new law was approved this month, now carriers must unlock all phones for free at the end of the contracts.
In my opinion there are two sides to it :
1) If the Service Provider (Sprint, AT&T etc.) gives a subsidy or discount as part of the contract, they should be allowed to network lock the phones since the consumer has not paid the full price of the phone and not fulfilled the contract. However, with the completion of the contract, the service provider should unlock the phone for free.(I am only talking abt the network lock here)
2) If the consumer has paid the full amount, then the phones should come unlocked.
As far as 'Jailbreaking' or installing softwares is concerned, the consumer should have the right to do so in any of the above 2 cases since he is the owner/user of the phone. The Manufacturer or Service provider has NO right to lock that portion. However, they should have the right to void warranty as there is a chance that the user may install potetially harmfull sofware on the phone thereby damaging it.
However, if the law comes that people are able to network unlock their phones legally, there is a chance that the service providers might stop subsidising the phones and ask for upfront payment.
Mikey1022 said:
All phones in the USA should come sim unlocked prior to buying the phone. Carriers should worry and concentrate on their data supplied and packages.
Not worry about "locking" down cells lure buyers to their company because they sim locked the phone to their network.
USA needs too learn a few more things from Europe.
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i highly agree with you! they should work on providing better network, and data coverage i.e. ATT. they do have a fairly big clientele but is there service worth me moving from tmous. i dont think so. my x girl has att and she can barely get coverage in her house and we live in a city you would think got excellent coverage. SAN FRANCISCO!
Hepæstus said:
Yes but what about the case of Verizon phones where they don't use SIM cards? would they be required to switch to an "unlockable" phone setup? I'm thinking no, in which case what you may see in the case of other carriers is that their special phones (like iphone) are going to be locked down in the same manner as Verizon, i.e. SIM cardless
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i think they should just phase out with the CDMA phones little by little and start intro'ing with the GSM'. same goes for sprint
Truth be told, CDMA is a superior technology but that's a debate for a different thread.
As far as Sprint and Verizon are concerned, their phones are just as "unlockable" as GSM handsets. MVNO carriers like Revol wireless and Page Plus live off of old beat up verizon and sprint phones. They simply need to be reflashed. With a little google-ing, it can be done fairly easily.
say goodbye to phone subsidies
Great deal. Now it would be a better deal if carriers stop installing crap and bloat that you can't remove or not giving root access to the phone owner which is silly imo, lets see how many are willing to buy a computer without admin rights.
I was just reading an Engadget post about how unlocking a carrier locked phone is illegal now, in the US anyway. It was long, but really didn't answer the question I had. I am on T-mobile with no contract and like to switch phones every few months. My most frequent stop for phones is eBay, although recently I've gotten unlocked phones from Amazon and Newegg as well. On eBay, I usually buy a locked carrier version (usually At&t) because they are usually cheaper than straight unlocked ones (carrier branded) and much cheaper than international unlocked ones. Then I buy an unlock code from eBay for a few bucks and voila. For some phones that are carrier exclusive or have no international variant yet, this is the only way to get them.
Does this new rule apply to me? I'm thinking no since it is second hand after all and I'm not the one who signed the contract, but they are vague about second-hand unlocking. I also sell my phone on eBay once I'm done using it.
I think of you as you are to unlock the phone which actually was first locked.
This is my opinion, now expect others to comment on
I think as long as the original contract has been satisfied it doesn't matter.
ruangle you
This is so Verizon,Contact phones and other junk. I have a unlocked phone from ebay on simple mobile which is gsm can use it anywhere in the world and no contract, I just rooted my sisters new S3 on the same phone carrier its under contract,lets see what happens I dont expect anything its my phone in so many words as long as I pay the bill Right ?
xtnelson said:
This is so Verizon,Contact phones and other junk. I have a unlocked phone from ebay on simple mobile which is gsm can use it anywhere in the world and no contract, I just rooted my sisters new S3 on the same phone carrier its under contract,lets see what happens I dont expect anything its my phone in so many words as long as I pay the bill Right ?
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As i know in europe and maybe also in US it is not illegal to unlock your phone - if you have no contract anymore with any provider !
Because it's "YOUR PHONE" and if you make the choice to cut it in small slices - why not - it is yours (when paid) !
But one decision - you have to unlock yourself - as i know it is not allowed by companies in US !
I read the actual text of the decision and it's pretty clearly spelled out (and not even that long). Sorry to be that guy. :silly:
Yeah I have no idea what some of you people are talking about. Or understand the Engrish. The phone is sold to an end user and the software is also licensed to them. This is the relationship between the carrier and the user entering a contract. However, I don't buy direct from the carrier or sign any contracts. Thus, I am not a license holder at all. Furthermore, the ruling allows for "legacy" devices to be unlocked and sold. Legacy device would be loosely understood as second hand, basically what I am buying and unlocking.
delete
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
They'll have to respond to this issue now so hopefully it gets changed and you won't have to worry.
how to other country?
If you have the carrier unlock it, it is not illegal.
If you use your upgrade to get a cheaper phone with a contract and then use a 3rd party SIM unlocker to use on another carrier then it IS illegal.
Start with asking the carrier it is locked by for an unlock code
http://arstechnica.com/business/201...ells-wireless-carriers-to-unlock-cell-phones/
About time.
This is the way it should have been all along. If you buy the device outright or finish your contract, an unlock should be mandatory. Legal or not, I unlocked mine myself because I didn't want to go through the hassle of dealing with my carrier to unlock my device that I paid for in full up front.
The real snag here is just like binding arbitration. If you are under contract, the carriers can simply embed your consent to allow locking deep within the fine print of the contract you sign. In my opinion, binding arbitration should be illegal as well as it is forced upon the consumer with no opt out to obtain service, thus making you give up your right to initiate some legal actions.
When you sign a contract, there is really no need for a carrier lock because there is enough legal recourse for the carrier should one fail to uphold their obligations. There is also IMEI blacklisting.
Hello everyone!
I'm planning to buy a Note 4 from a guy who is coming from Germany with a phone bougth from vodafone germany. He is telling me that vodafone sells samsung devices unlocked. Is there any sim lock and bootloader?
Btw here is the reciept he sent me. It's looks tike it has a contract: https://www.dropbox.com/s/66hqg2zr3nwbd1g/IMG-20141224-WA0000.jpg?dl=0
Should I buy this or not? Thank you.
In the EU it is legally forbidden to SIMlock devices to a specific provider. Even on a contract.
However Samsung has a Region Lock on their devices. You can't use an EU device with a non-EU SIM without first unlocking it with a local SIM by calling, internetting and texting for 5 minutes each.
Sewrizer said:
I don't know about Germany, but I live in the EU and all carriers here give you SIM Locked phones if you buy them on contract. In point of fact, I have seen a lot of iPhones locked by carriers from France and England. The fact that there are so many "companies" that Sim unlock them via IMEI is proof that there is demand for such services.
The problem with them is that they are significantly more expensive to unlock than devices that run Android. The only way (that I am aware of ) of getting a SIM Unlocked phone from a carrier is to buy it without contract.
Edit: I must add that I am not aware of the law you mention, but in practice the situation is different. I would like to read that law, if you could quote it.
Blog: http://applesndroids.wordpress.com
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It would appear those laws on SIMlocking were not actually enforced, just guidelines to which new local laws must adhere. Until countries review their laws, they need not change. (And there we have the explanation why local laws are all so outdated..)
Those 'companies' are money sucking leeches praying on ignorant customers. Here's why:
"The Directorate-General for Competition (DG IV) has written to GSM/DCS1800
handset manufacturers and network operators in the EEA limiting the use of
the "SIM Lock" feature in mobile phone handsets: the feature effectively
ties the customer to one GSM operator or service provider. The handset must
be able to be unlocked upon demand by the consumer. This will prevent the
anti-competitive effects of the feature vis-à-vis existing or new operators,
and avoid a reinforcement of the division of the mobile phone market along
national lines.
[...]
The practical effect of this will be that consumers will no longer be
charged what were often significant amounts of money for the privilege of
linking their own handset to the services of another operator / service
provider."
They must be unlocked upon request by the service provider, free of charge. Going to a paid 3rd party is sheer stupidity.
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-96-791_en.htm
Sadly, many customers are not aware of these laws, and in many countries the courts rule in favour of the mobile operators for less than honest reasons (which they ofcourse always deny, because it has nothing to do with the ungodly amount of ex-politicians in the boards of directors..)
The only thing providers are allowed to do is put a timestamps on how long it takes for you to be allowed to unlock it, usually the time your contract lasts. By doing this, they can charge fees if you want it unlocked earlier.
The problem with Apple is that Apple itself locks the firmware to a carrier, and requires an update from Apple itself to unlock. (Like they also do with 4G for every separate provider.) The bastards have never cared for laws: The EU has laws that every charging port must be a MicroUSB since 2011. Apple ignored that, and with Obama backing Apple and holding the chains on the trade agreements, the EU can't do much more than impose petty fines that are small change to Apple.
Is it possible to unlock it to use work multiple carriers? I have Sprint but also service with Metro and I'd like to use this phone to go back and forth with. It's not paid off yet so Sprint won't unlock it, I think.
Nobody?
Historically they aren't going to unlock.
You could check if anyone can unlock on eBay or unlocking websites. It's gonna cost money.
If you're under contract TMobile or ATT may pay it off. But you'll be under a new contract.
Those are some options.
I don't mind paying. It's Sprint. I still plan to use spring but I need to use Metro when it go out to work because Sprint sucks in my area.
So see if third party sellers can unlock. But Sprint may still relock the device.
As far as I remember, nobody can unlock Sprint. Sprint DOES unlock their devices, they just make it harder to. You have to call Customer Services, let them know, as long as your account are in good standing, they might unlock it.
Here is their policy on that regard:
Sprint Postpaid Devices
Sprint will unlock a device from Sprint's network under the following circumstances:
The device is SIM Unlock capable
The device must be or have been active on the Sprint network for a minimum of 50 days
Any associated Service Agreement (or any Minimum Service Term, where applicable), Installment Billing Agreement, or Lease Agreement has been fulfilled including, but not limited to, payment in full of any applicable: 1) early termination fees, 2) accelerated installment or lease payments, and/or 3) end-of-lease purchase options. Because leased devices are not owned by the user, the end of lease purchase option must be exercised and paid in full before the SIM unlock is completed.
The associated account is in good standing
The device has not been reported as lost or stolen, associated with fraudulent activity, or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked
For SIM unlock-capable devices (generally most devices launched after February 2015), Sprint will automatically unlock postpaid devices when they becomes eligible.
You can always ask and see if they'll help you out?
only a third party service can help. I used wejustunlock dot com to unlock my old galaxy s9 and it still run fine.
The Firmware on the Sprint Note 10 has to be an older one in order for it to be unlockable by most sites or services. If its got the latest firmware installed on it already your in for a waiting period from my experience fighting the same battle!