Handset Unlocking Policy of AT&T Wireless
Late last month, I decided to do some research into mobile phone carriers' handset unlocking policies. I did this because I keep hearing from Operation Gadget readers who are frustrated by their inability to take their phones with them when they switch carriers. In many cases, it's because their handsets have been electronically locked by the carrier that subsidized the phone's purchase.
My wife uses a Nokia 3360, a TDMA phone that runs on AT&T Wireless. Since we have been AT&T Wireless customers for several years, I decided to call Customer Care, express interest in upgrading to AT&T's Next Generation Network (GSM/GPRS), and ask if my wife would be able to use a local pay-as-you-go account in Switzerland when we travel there later this year. The purpose of this question was to get a customer care representative to tell me what AT&T Wireless' handset unlocking policy is.
You probably know that most electronically-locked handsets can be unlocked by typing in a numeric code. So, if AT&T Wireless would provide that electronic code for a GSM phone, then I could replace the SIM chip with a chip from any other GSM carrier that I chose, and the phone would bill to that carrier.
The customer care representative from AT&T Wireless told me that they refer to electronic unlock codes as restriction codes. AT&T Wireless recommends that I leave my phone restricted to their network. They will not help me to unlock my phone under any circumstances.
Although AT&T Wireless' contract with me does not prohibit the removal of the electronic handset lock, the warranty provided by AT&T Wireless is voided if I attempt to unlock the handset.
In case it isn't clear, I believe that mobile carriers should allow their customers to remove the electronic lock from their handset after a reasonably short period of time. That would give customers the flexibility to use their phones on other carriers' networks, provided the same fundimental technology is used.
I would have been happy if AT&T Wireless had said, because you are are a good customer, we will upgrade you to GSM at the subsidized price, and let you unlock the phone after 90 days. This is pretty much T-Mobile's policy for existing customers.
Instead AT&T Wireless told me that if I want to upgrade, I will get a locked phone that will stay locked unless I unlock it without their help. And, if I don't successfully unlock the handset and it becomes unusable, they will not provide repair service to me.
I refer to this as AT&T Wireless' "Just Say No" Handset Unlocking Policy.
I'm not saying that handset unlocking policies should be the only factor in choosing a wireless carrier. But, they are a very good indication of how customer-friendly a carrier is. As a result of this experience, I will strongly urge my wife to switch from AT&T Wireless to T-Mobile if she needs to upgrade or replace her mobile phone in the future.
Comments
SIR,
KINDLY SEND ME INFORMATION ON HOW TO REPAIR NOKIA AND SAMUSUNG WITH INFORMATION ON HOW TO UNLOCK THEM THANKS
Posted by: ajala bolaji sulyman | May 26, 2004 9:23 AM
There is a website you can go to that will give you the unlock codes within seconds of most all nokia models.. it is a very EASY and painless process if you follow the instructions to a "T". The site is www.nokiafree.org
Posted by: D Decker | July 4, 2004 12:09 AM
Also..the unlock codes for Samsung phones are difficult to find and most want to charge you. I recently paid for an E-Bay auction which gave me the instructions which, they say, will work on certain Samsung phones that they list. I have just purchased a Samsung phone through Ebay which I have not received yet so I did not have the chance to try it and see if it worked. I would be happy to share the info with you; however, I cannot vouch for sure that it will work since I myself havent tried it. Email me at Dekota65@aol.com if you would like the info to try.. I would be very interested in seeing if they (the codes) do, indeed, work.
Posted by: D. Decker | July 4, 2004 12:14 AM
I am just going through this hassle with AT&T regarding their SIM locking practice - they show no flexibility in their practice, so it looks like I will have my phone unlocked at my expense.
In addition to the present GSM locking issue, it took multiple calls to AT&T to receive the promised compensation for the purchase of a new GSM phone, and multiple efforts to straighten up recurring billing errors. What they say and what they do, are very different stories. And when you ask to contact the customer service person that last promised to straighten out the mess and didn't.....
At the first opportunity I will switch my family's wireless business to another carrier, and will certainly share my stories with anyone considering AT&T service. ... another Oxymoron?
Buyer beware!
Posted by: Bob | July 12, 2004 1:00 PM
I need information on how to repair and unlock gsm handste: samsung, LG, Nokia, Motorola,
Posted by: Madu Ndubueze | July 20, 2004 7:40 AM
Help, I have just purchased two Motorola T720's that are currently locked to ATT and want to use them on TMobile, can anyone tell me how or where I could get them unlocked in South New Jersey.
Posted by: Dennis | August 2, 2004 11:13 AM
If you still have the unlocking instructions please share with me. Would be greatly appreciated
Posted by: Trevor Kemp | August 18, 2004 11:48 AM
It is my observation that most Nokia DCT3 handsets normally develope NETWORK PROBLEMS.
I am really,very curious to know if there is a solution to this problem.If yes,i will really appreciate it a great deal if am fed with this solution.
Thanks!
Posted by: Oteri,O.Abel | September 1, 2004 4:29 PM
It is my observation that most Nokia DCT3 handsets normally develope NETWORK PROBLEMS.
I am really,very curious to know if there is a solution to this problem.If yes,i will really appreciate it a great deal if am fed with this solution.
Thanks!
Posted by: Oteri,O.Abel | September 1, 2004 4:29 PM
i bghout a mobile and it it & t and it is network bloked i need to unlock it what i can do
Posted by: josef | September 14, 2004 5:12 PM
Please ,I want you to send to me how to repair and unlock the following handsets Nokia,sony erricson,sagem,motorola,siemens,mitsubishi,phillips and Alcatel.Also how to retrieve a stolen GSM line.
Posted by: Akinleye A.G | September 14, 2004 9:20 PM
i also wish i to have those codes cause most nokia,samsung,alcatel giges thesame promlem.please send the code(s) to me.
Engineer Mutiu,
Posted by: mutiu | October 7, 2004 8:30 AM
Hello All,
I have a T720 locked on the AT&T Network. I am trying to unlock it to use it on SunCom. Does anyone know how to unlock the phone? Thanks. Mike
Posted by: Mike | October 7, 2004 8:37 PM
Does anyone know howto unlock T616 sony ericsson GSM phone from ATT wireless.
thanks,
-mk
Posted by: MK | October 9, 2004 2:46 AM
I need to unlock a ATT T-720 to use it on T-Mobile, anyone have information?
Posted by: Randy | October 10, 2004 6:35 PM
I need the code to unlock a nokia 3200b from at&t wrieless to use on T mobile. Can anyone help? It seems to be a 4 number code.
Thanks
Posted by: Tashia | October 26, 2004 12:43 PM
CAN ANYONE SUPPLY ME WITH THE UNLOCK CODE FOR A T720 LOCKED TO att
THANKS
Posted by: ARTHUR | October 29, 2004 2:16 PM
I GOT UNLOCK CODE`S Nuffffffffffff *#76#*
Posted by: SLIM | November 3, 2004 8:45 AM
HEY I NEED RESTRICTION CODE FOR "LG L1150" from at&t wrieless to use on T mobile. Can anyone help?
Thanks
Posted by: JAVI | November 8, 2004 5:33 PM
HEY I NEED RESTRICTION CODE FOR "LG L1150" from at&t wrieless to use on T mobile. Can anyone help?
Thanks
Posted by: JAVI | November 8, 2004 5:34 PM
Can any body suggest me how to unlock my tungsten W PDA which is locked for AT&T Wireless..
Posted by: jadu | November 9, 2004 2:12 AM
I went to nokiafree.org...great site. However, the 6820 is not available in the menu...where can I unlock this handset?
Posted by: darthfatty | November 9, 2004 5:41 PM
Hi Everybody
Please can anyone tell me how to unlock my motorola T190 handset it locked to MTN network and I want to use it for a GLO Sim card.
Solomon
From Nigeria
Posted by: Solomon | November 14, 2004 7:26 AM
I have a Motorola T720 that is locked to AT&T Wireless. Can anyone provide me with the unlock code? Is that also the same as "subsidy" code? THANKS!!
Posted by: Ben | November 16, 2004 10:30 PM
I Have a Motorola MPX 200 currently locked to AT& T Wireless anyone got codes to unlock to Orange UK, Thanks
Posted by: Joe Powell | November 27, 2004 6:09 AM