Extortion - cost for 3 to unlock nokia 6680

Hey there

I wondered if anyone else had had any success getting 3 to lower the cost of unlocking one of their nokia h/sets.

I bought a 6680 recently without realising it has a different algorhythm to other nokias (BB5 rather than DCT3/4) and therefore is currently unlockable in the high street/remotely. The only people that can provide the code is the Mobile Operators - so bearing this in mind i e-mailed 3 customer services:-

From: welcome@three.co.uk
Sent: 21 Sep 05 15:42:24
To: <firepond@3mail.com>
Cc:
Subject: Feedback from Hutchison 3G web site - Category: Handset issue



Name: Mister.G
Email: ****************
Contact No: ***************
Account No:
Three No:
Feedback:
Hello

I've recently bought a nokia 6680 which is locked to your network and would like to obtain an unlocking code. I do have a 3 sim card but would also like to be able to use my t-mobile sim card in the phone. The phone was bought at great expense to myself
(not given away as part of a package deal) therefore would like the code to use the phone as i choose.

As i stated previously i have bought a 3 pay sim card but it's not with me so i don't have the telephone no. to hand.

Any information you can provide as to costs, how to get this done etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Mister.G

---

I received a reply back approx 36 hours later advising the below:-

Dear G,

Thank you for your email about unlocking your Nokia 6680.

In order to discuss your concerns, I have attempted to call you but was unable to reach you.

If you have a threepay account you will be charged £135 + £15 admin fee = £150 including VAT.

If you have a contract account (that is still in contact) the charge is £200 + £15 admin fee = £215 including VAT
and if you have an out of contract account the charge is only £15.

Please contact our 3 Customer Service Team to arrange this on 333 from any 3 handset, which is free, or dial 08707 330 333 from any land line telephone. These calls are charged at the applicable national rate.


Regards

Marc Tennant
3 Customer Services
08707 330 333
Welcome to our Network

I spent this morning looking round the internet (OFT, Ofcom etc) and the general consensus is that a network provider is entitled to charge 'an amount proportional to the cost of unlocking the phone without retaining any element of profilt'

Bearing this in mind i've now e-mailed the OFT - and also 3 themselves (via https://www.howtocomplain.com) regarding 3s pricing structure and wondered if anyone else had managed to get this price lowered at all. I have no problems with paying the £15-20 all other networks charge, just not the vastly inflated price 3 want to charge me!