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AT&T would not provide the unlock code for Infuse.

I requested for an unlock code from AT&T and this is what I got back. This is the first time that my request was not honored. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
Big Thanks to “sanfranx415”. I followed his guide and got my Infuse unlocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093476
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Dear XXXXXX YYY,
Thank you for contacting AT&T International care. My name is Cccccc Aaaaaa and I will be happy to assist you with your inquiry today.
I do apologize for the inconvenience but unfortunately at the moment your Samsung Infuse with IMEI xxxxxxxxxxxxxx can not be unlocked. AT&T is the exclusive carrier of the device and under the existing exclusivity agreement we are unable to provide the device unlock code. In addition, some devices for which AT&T Mobility has exclusive marketing rights are permanently excluded from unlocking obligation. The device will be eligible to be unlocked until after the exlusivity agreement expires. Your device will be eligible for unlocking after December of this year.
For more information concerning unlock codes, please call 1-800-331-0500 at your earliest convenience.
If you need further assistance please reply to this e-mail or by calling us at 1-800-335-4685 (while in the United States) or 001-916-843-4685 (while outside of the United States). You may also visit www.ATT.com/global to view all of our international services available or to access your online account. Please comment on the services I have provided by accessing the online service link listed below.
We at AT&T appreciate your business and value you as a customer.
Cccccc Aaaa
Online Customer Care Professional
AT&T International Care
1-800-335-4685(When calling from U.S.)
+1-916-843-4685(International)

chompx2 said:
I requested for an unlock code from AT&T and this is what I got back. This is the first time that my request was not honored. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
Big Thanks to “sanfranx415”. I followed his guide and got my Infuse unlocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093476
*****************************************************************
Dear XXXXXX YYY,
Thank you for contacting AT&T International care. My name is Cccccc Aaaaaa and I will be happy to assist you with your inquiry today.
I do apologize for the inconvenience but unfortunately at the moment your Samsung Infuse with IMEI xxxxxxxxxxxxxx can not be unlocked. AT&T is the exclusive carrier of the device and under the existing exclusivity agreement we are unable to provide the device unlock code. In addition, some devices for which AT&T Mobility has exclusive marketing rights are permanently excluded from unlocking obligation. The device will be eligible to be unlocked until after the exlusivity agreement expires. Your device will be eligible for unlocking after December of this year.
For more information concerning unlock codes, please call 1-800-331-0500 at your earliest convenience.
If you need further assistance please reply to this e-mail or by calling us at 1-800-335-4685 (while in the United States) or 001-916-843-4685 (while outside of the United States). You may also visit www.ATT.com/global to view all of our international services available or to access your online account. Please comment on the services I have provided by accessing the online service link listed below.
We at AT&T appreciate your business and value you as a customer.
Cccccc Aaaa
Online Customer Care Professional
AT&T International Care
1-800-335-4685(When calling from U.S.)
+1-916-843-4685(International)
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You seriously need to learn to GOOGLE before you email AT&T

Pretty standard - AT&T won't provide unlock codes for devices until they've been out for a few months. I think the magic number may be either 6 or 9?
But it doesn't matter... Pulling unlock codes out of Samsung GalaxyS phones (and the Infuse is for all practical purposes a GS in terms of hardware and software architecture) is incredibly easy.

Do they normally provide these free? Like instead of song oneclick or something this.seems a little easier. Im going to be selling a iphone 4 would they send me a code?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

iPhones are special cases, not sure.
However, usually if:
1) The phone has been out for 6+ months
2) You're a customer in good standing (e.g. bills all paid)
3) You've had the phone 90 days (I think that's the number)
They'll give you an unlock code if you ask. You often do better by calling international support and telling them you're traveling, that's how I unlocked my Tilt.
Easier to just pull the code from the Infuse though.

Congress passed a law that states they have to give you the sim unlock code as long a certain conditions are met. They normally have provided it if you have a business account and tell them you are going over seas for an extended period. As for the exclusive agreement, they may have been able to delay when they have to give it to you as they state. I would research the law to be sure. Or as stated above.....Google is Good...guud lol

To correct all. Any device that is exclusive to one carrier, does not have to be unlocked. Att policy is generally 6 to 9 months after release. Your account must be 6 months old or you will be required to provide proof of purchase. As of now, in all att systems, the infuse is listed as unlockable. These things will randomly change in time. If you want an unlock code, for an unlockable model, say it was purchased 2nd hand and you have no account. As long as the device is not reported lost or stolen, you will get the code.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

Entropy512 said:
iPhones are special cases, not sure.
However, usually if:
1) The phone has been out for 6+ months
2) You're a customer in good standing (e.g. bills all paid)
3) You've had the phone 90 days (I think that's the number)
They'll give you an unlock code if you ask. You often do better by calling international support and telling them you're traveling, that's how I unlocked my Tilt.
Easier to just pull the code from the Infuse though.
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bingo! I told them I needed it for overseas sims on my iPhone 4 and they said sure!! (You have to add international roaming on your plan, but there is no charge unless you go overseas and actually use it)
+1

faslane said:
bingo! I told them I needed it for overseas sims on my iPhone 4 and they said sure!! (You have to add international roaming on your plan, but there is no charge unless you go overseas and actually use it)
+1
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That's new - I didn't have to add international roaming. After all, that's the point of unlocking, to use another carrier when abroad.
strychninetwitch said:
..Snip...
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Please fix your attitude or go away. I have yet to see a single post from you that hasn't been rude or offensive.

Have you used this way to unlock it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081072

Unlock is going to be illegal?

Is this really what government should be focusing on? I mean really? I always get my phones unlocked. Some I buy unlocked like my current phone and some I get unlocked. Prior to April of last year I was with TMOUS for 13 years. I think I'm a loyal kind of guy but when I go overseas to Europe, etc I object to paying $15 per MB for data and $1.00-1.99 per minute and so I use my unlocked phone with a TMOUK SIM. Funny thing here is I was using TMO both sides even though the UK SIM still required and unlock.
Anyway, I just think this is bulls$it! Will this make all those unlocking sites in the USA illegal? Guess so.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105...king-of-smartphones-becomes-illegal-saturday/

Not the unlock you are talking about. The illegal part refering to is often called jail break, not SIM unlock.

foxbat121 said:
Not the unlock you are talking about. The illegal part refering to is often called jail break, not SIM unlock.
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Not so.
Unlocking your cell phone disables the SIM lock that limits your phone to operating on a specific network provider. With few exceptions, most cell phones come locked so that they can only operate with a single service provider. Unlocking your phone allows you to take it to a new provider.
This is the unlock that becomes illegal.

Soon unlocking will become legal in the united states. Google ulocking legal and you will get the whitehouse response for the petition to make unlocking legal (I'm a new member can't post links don't wanna get banned )

abhishek1234321 said:
Soon unlocking will become legal in the united states. Google ulocking legal and you will get the whitehouse response for the petition to make unlocking legal (I'm a new member can't post links don't wanna get banned )
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Except White House has no power to do that. It needs congress to pass new law. And a bill like that is in the works. But with so many budget fights upcoming. This new bill is certainly not on anyone's top list.

foxbat121 said:
Except White House has no power to do that. It needs congress to pass new law. And a bill like that is in the works. But with so many budget fights upcoming. This new bill is certainly not on anyone's top list.
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Is it a bill that's needed or an FCC rule? An FCC rule/opinion would be much easier to to manifest than a congressional bill. Either way, the current status is a load of crap!

mobi said:
Is it a bill that's needed or an FCC rule? An FCC rule/opinion would be much easier to to manifest than a congressional bill. Either way, the current status is a load of crap!
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The unlock currently falls under DMCA law. Not sure how much FCC can do to bypass that law.

foxbat121 said:
The unlock currently falls under DMCA law. Not sure how much FCC can do to bypass that law.
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You're right. Enforcement may be a bit of a problem though... Can you really imagine the government using all it's resources to stop little old me taking my AT&T phone to use on T-Mo? Any way you look at it, it's a load of crap and I'm sure that this is an unintended consequence.

There will always be unintended consequence of any law.
As for enforcement, all it takes is someone rat you out Like your ex.

we petition the obama administration to: Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal.

Please take a quick minute to stop at this link and take a look Petition link here..... It could mean the end of our freedom to unlock our phone..... Short sweet and to the point sign the petition.....:highfive:
Here is what we are against.....
we petition the obama administration to:
Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal.
The Librarian of Congress decided in October 2012 that unlocking of cell phones would be removed from the exceptions to the DMCA.
As of January 26, consumers will no longer be able unlock their phones for use on a different network without carrier permission, even after their contract has expired.
Consumers will be forced to pay exorbitant roaming fees to make calls while traveling abroad. It reduces consumer choice, and decreases the resale value of devices that consumers have paid for in full.
The Librarian noted that carriers are offering more unlocked phones at present, but the great majority of phones sold are still locked.
We ask that the White House ask the Librarian of Congress to rescind this decision, and failing that, champion a bill that makes unlocking permanently legal.

hankbizzo5 said:
Please take a quick minute to stop at this link and take a look Petition link here..... It could mean the end of our freedom to unlock our phone..... Short sweet and to the point sign the petition.....:highfive:
Here is what we are against.....
we petition the obama administration to:
Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal.
The Librarian of Congress decided in October 2012 that unlocking of cell phones would be removed from the exceptions to the DMCA.
As of January 26, consumers will no longer be able unlock their phones for use on a different network without carrier permission, even after their contract has expired.
Consumers will be forced to pay exorbitant roaming fees to make calls while traveling abroad. It reduces consumer choice, and decreases the resale value of devices that consumers have paid for in full.
The Librarian noted that carriers are offering more unlocked phones at present, but the great majority of phones sold are still locked.
We ask that the White House ask the Librarian of Congress to rescind this decision, and failing that, champion a bill that makes unlocking permanently legal.
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Click to collapse
If this passes will our fone be freed from the lockdown?

atrix2man said:
If this passes will our fone be freed from the lockdown?
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No. This is the carrier/sim unlock, not bootloader.

[Q]Does German Vodafone lock Note 4

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.

Question Evading Hotspot Restrictions?

I'm currently on an S9+ through AT&T; I'm considering upgrading to a Pixel 7 Pro for my next phone
I have always relied heavily on hotspot data, and have never paid for a specific hotspot plan. This was the case on my LG G3, and on my S9+ – until a recent firmware update I installed pushed a carrier-check into the device when I'd try to enable it
So, a factor for me in choosing a new phone is whether I will be able to use it for unlimited hotspot data without having to get authorization from my carrier / without it counting against hotspot-data-allotments / etc.
Is this doable on a Pixel 7 Pro?
Does it require rooting the device? Does it require a custom ROM?
Are these things I can do on a phone I get through my carrier – AT&T in the US – or will I need a non-carrier-branded version?
Will doing so break other functionality – like Google Wallet / Google Pay?
Super down for rooting / custom roms / etc., but don't feel a huge need for it other than if it's what I need to do to get my unlimited hotspot data going
(Side-note: I know there are VPN Hotspot apps I could use, but I would prefer it to be able to create a hotspot & work in ways I can connect any wifi-device to without special configuration, like with the regular stock hotspot)

Instead of trying to break the law why not just get a plan that allows unlimited hotspot?

jaseman said:
Instead of trying to break the law why not just get a plan that allows unlimited hotspot?
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This is definitely not breaking any laws, terms of service though, yes.

ATT phone plans are just not the greatest nowadays... Consider TMB when you switch.
My guess is that any ROM without the google carrier services app pre installed (i.e. LOS, probably.) Will do just fine with stock configuration. Will it count towards hotspot data Idk. Also it depends on if your carrier needs it for activation.
I'm on Google Fi unlimited and have (up to) 4 dedicated data SIM that shares my main plan data (speed cap at 50G) for free

yurishouse said:
ATT phone plans are just not the greatest nowadays... Consider TMB when you switch.
My guess is that any ROM without the google carrier services app pre installed (i.e. LOS, probably.) Will do just fine with stock configuration. Will it count towards hotspot data Idk. Also it depends on if your carrier needs it for activation.
I'm on Google Fi unlimited and have (up to) 4 dedicated data SIM that shares my main plan data (speed cap at 50G) for free
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After doing more research, it seems as though if I bought a Pixel 7 Pro from AT&T, I would not be able to unlock the bootloader until the phone was fully paid off – and thus wouldn't be able to install a custom ROM
Is that correct?

phnord said:
After doing more research, it seems as though if I bought a Pixel 7 Pro from AT&T, I would not be able to unlock the bootloader until the phone was fully paid off – and thus wouldn't be able to install a custom ROM
Is that correct?
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That is correct.

phnord said:
After doing more research, it seems as though if I bought a Pixel 7 Pro from AT&T, I would not be able to unlock the bootloader until the phone was fully paid off – and thus wouldn't be able to install a custom ROM
Is that correct?
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If you purchased an unlocked global version (from Google Store, Amazon has been known to sell some, some brick and mortar stores had offered in the past [but that was when the phone was newly released so I'm unsure about now], def can find 2nd hand on Swappa), you can still use the device on AT&T's network (and your plan), but you wouldn't have to wait on AT&T to unlock the bootloader.
If you have good enough credit, you could possibly finance the phone on Google Store and pay it off monthly for 2 years (more or less what carriers do [although I just found out recently that Verizon is 3 years...])...
Just some additional information and some thoughts...

simplepinoi177 said:
[although I just found out recently that Verizon is 3 years...]
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So is AT&T. T-Mobile is the only one left with 24 months.

Tomadock said:
This is definitely not breaking any laws, terms of service though, yes.
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Hmmmm...you signed your name to a LEGAL agreement/contract. When you break that agreement/contract you are ...wait for it...BREAKING THE LAW! SMH

Breaking a contract is not breaking the law.

jaseman said:
Hmmmm...you signed your name to a LEGAL agreement/contract. When you break that agreement/contract you are ...wait for it...BREAKING THE LAW! SMH
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Lol wat

jaseman said:
Hmmmm...you signed your name to a LEGAL agreement/contract. When you break that agreement/contract you are ...wait for it...BREAKING THE LAW! SMH
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If the contract holder - the cell service provider - wanted to take you to court because you broke the contract you signed who do you think the judge would side with?
ANY TIME you sign a contract there are LAWS governing how that contract if fulfilled by BOTH parties. You also have LEGAL rights under the contract. It is the LAW!
Why is this so hard for people to understand?

jaseman said:
If the contract holder - the cell service provider - wanted to take you to court because you broke the contract you signed who do you think the judge would side with?
ANY TIME you sign a contract there are LAWS governing how that contract if fulfilled by BOTH parties. You also have LEGAL rights under the contract. It is the LAW!
Why is this so hard for people to understand?
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Sir, this is XDA. XDA was created by people looking to test the limits , unlock (or add) features, give new life to their devices. Whether that person breaks a law or not, its not like you are paying their legal bills
That said, I AM LOOKING TO ACHIEVE THE SAME AS OP!

simplepinoi177 said:
If you purchased an unlocked global version (from Google Store, Amazon has been known to sell some, some brick and mortar stores had offered in the past [but that was when the phone was newly released so I'm unsure about now], def can find 2nd hand on Swappa), you can still use the device on AT&T's network (and your plan), but you wouldn't have to wait on AT&T to unlock the bootloader.
If you have good enough credit, you could possibly finance the phone on Google Store and pay it off monthly for 2 years (more or less what carriers do [although I just found out recently that Verizon is 3 years...])...
Just some additional information and some thoughts...
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Click to collapse
I hear you on that. Main reason I want to go with AT&T is they currently have a trade-in special where my ancient, cracked-screen, S9+ will count as $800 against the price of the phone, which is very, very tempting...

jaseman said:
Hmmmm...you signed your name to a LEGAL agreement/contract. When you break that agreement/contract you are ...wait for it...BREAKING THE LAW! SMH
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Click to collapse
While it could easily be argued that it's theft of service, nobody ever gets prosecuted for it and the carriers hardly ever will even disconnect you for it unless you're moving terabytes of data so it's not that big of a deal.
Also, the carriers can sit and spin for all I care, they're massively ripping us off in the states.

EtherealRemnant said:
While it could easily be argued that it's theft of service, nobody ever gets prosecuted for it and the carriers hardly ever will even disconnect you for it unless you're moving terabytes of data so it's not that big of a deal.
Also, the carriers can sit and spin for all I care, they're massively ripping us off in the states.
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I agree that the providers are or may be ripping us off, but that doesn't change the fact the when you sign a contract you are LEGALLY agreeing to abide by the terms of that contract.
I am not saying that the carriers are above contempt, but two wrongs do not make a right.

It is a breach of contract, a civil matter, and they could take you to court to try to recoup their losses. It would be dangerous though as they could be forced to actually admit how little a customer using a hotspot actually costs them. The main thing though, the time wasted pursuing one user would outweigh the benefit of getting their money.

jaseman said:
If the contract holder - the cell service provider - wanted to take you to court because you broke the contract you signed who do you think the judge would side with?
ANY TIME you sign a contract there are LAWS governing how that contract if fulfilled by BOTH parties. You also have LEGAL rights under the contract. It is the LAW!
Why is this so hard for supposedly educated people to understand?
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It is not illegal to breach a contract. You will not be thrown in jail for breaching a contract. The government will not bring a case against you for breaching a contract. A contract just means the other party may be able to successfully take you to court and get a legally-enforceable judgment. But it's not illegal to breach a contract.

I have used a magisk module to activate the native hotspot without carrier protections. But to get the unlimited hotspot, you're going to need a VPN and VPN tether. I don't know any other way around that unless you pull a higher price for unlimited hotspot

NetShare, PDAnet, Easy Tether, VPN Tether, PairVPN... Lots of apps exist for this purpose. Just beware that your provider isn't dumb and knows you're doing it. Might be best to get a second SIM that you only use for data that way you don't risk your number.