Cell phone unlocking--how to tell if it's unlocked?

[arewethereyetdad]

As someone who is completely naive on this, why is unlocking them treated as a sin or breaking the law?

I have an extra Cingular razor, which I would like to use on the old ATT GSM network, but can't. Cingular says they can't unlock it, they don't know how at the local level. So I'm stuck with a phone that I can't use.

Bill

Bill,

You should be able to call Cingular and ask for an unlock code.  Just tell them that you are going to Europe for business and need to use a foreign SIM card during your stay..  I got this info off the Motox Forum. 

I tried that once and Cingular basically told me to go fly a kite.  That their unlock codes are confidential and they don't have access to them anyway, or some such nonsense.  Then they proceeded to show me another phone.   

[gregw]

As someone who is completely naive on this, why is unlocking them treated as a sin or breaking the law?

I have an extra Cingular razor, which I would like to use on the old ATT GSM network, but can't. Cingular says they can't unlock it, they don't know how at the local level. So I'm stuck with a phone that I can't use.

Bill

Bill,

You should be able to call Cingular and ask for an unlock code.  Just tell them that you are going to Europe for business and need to use a foreign SIM card during your stay..  I got this info off the Motox Forum. 

I tried that once and Cingular basically told me to go fly a kite.  That their unlock codes are confidential and they don't have access to them anyway, or some such nonsense.  Then they proceeded to show me another phone.   

According to the post over at Motox, you just need to keep calling until you find the "right" service representative, who is willing to help... Also, I think there are certain requirements that you have to meet before they are willing to give you the unlock code.. 

[arewethereyetdad]

According to the post over at Motox, you just need to keep calling until you find the "right" service representative, who is willing to help... Also, I think there are certain requirements that you have to meet before they are willing to give you the unlock code.. 

Well, if it involves signing a contract, I've got somethin' they can kiss.

[savumaki]

Unlocking the phone is not illegal; the service providers would have you believe that but taint so.
Some phones notably, Nokia, can be unlocked with input codes while others require the use of a data cable.
Check out the the phone forums and ebay and you can generally find someone who offers an unlock service- the cost should be $15-20.

Karl

[changsn]

There are sites which offer unlock codes also. I got my Nokia 3595 unlocked that way (about $5 fee)
Sam

[Datasaurusrex]

Use at own risk:
http://www.peters1.dk/webtools/nokia/nokiaonline.php?sprog=en
Unlocks Nokias, no charge.

[MR Bulk]

Hey Data, thanks for that link - you got one for Sony Ericsson?

[kukula]

Send it to me.  We have a place here in Manila that can unluck any phone within minutes.  At a reasonable price of $5 

[MR Bulk]

Oh man, I gotta send my precious phone all the way to the P.I.?  With the games and ring tones and other stuff loaded onto it the phone is not easily replaceable for me right now - might have to consider using LBC!

I'll let you know - or you can reassure me via PM!

[Datasaurusrex]

Hey Data, thanks for that link - you got one for Sony Ericsson?

Nope, sorry.  My IT guy found it for me, he was motivated because he had a Nokia too

IIRC, sometimes if you take it to an indy shop (a re-seller of cell hours, not affiliated with just 1 company) they can unlock it for you.

[MR Bulk]

Hey Data, thanks for that link - you got one for Sony Ericsson?

Nope, sorry.  My IT guy found it for me, he was motivated because he had a Nokia too

IIRC, sometimes if you take it to an indy shop (a re-seller of cell hours, not affiliated with just 1 company) they can unlock it for you.

A-hah.  Thanks Saurus.

[MR Bulk]

Found this place on e-bay, anybody use them before?

[MR Bulk]

BTW ZenG, what brand/make phone is your i835?

[arewethereyetdad]

BTW ZenG, what brand/make phone is your i835?

It's gonna be a Nextel/Sprint if it starts with the little "i" in its name.

[MR Bulk]

Ahh.  Thought it might be a BMW or somethin'...