Orange

Surfer

I am trying to contact Orange to get my phone unlocked from their network by phoning 450. However all I get is a message telling me that they are experiencing a high number of calls and that I will be connected to a representqtive as soon as possible. I am beginning to think that a call centre does not exist!
Am I dialing the correct number or is there a better way of contacting them?

Surfer

Quick follow up. Eventually got through just after writing the email above. In order to change networks Orange want a balance of £20 on the PAYG phone. Daylight robbery. Is this correct? If it is then I am also moving my other phone off their network and they can go suck eggs! If incorrect where can I complain?

espresso

Yes it is correct. What make/model handset is it as some are easy to unlock for free?

akabee

It costs £20 to unlock a phone if you are on contract as well.I posted how to get any of the phones below unlocked a while back

This method will work with any mobile phone that is locked to Orange.
Yes an Orange sim-locked (Nokia N80) or any model of mobile phone bought off auction sites can be unlocked by Orange without much hassle. The procedure is

1.) buy phone
2.) buy Orange sim (£1 online)
3.) register imei with sim by calling 08000790006
4.) wait for phone to activate
5.) call orange on 450
6.) Request unlock code
7.) upload £20 to prepaid balance
8.) Wait few days for code

If it's one of the phones below or a newer Sony Ericsson phone your out of luck and have to go to your service provider

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE NOKIA Nokia 3250 RM-38 Nokia 6125 RM-178 Nokia 6131 RM-115 Nokia 6270 RM-56 Nokia 6280 RM-78 Nokia 6630 RM-1 Nokia 6680 RM-36 Nokia 6681 RM-57 Nokia 6682 RM-58 Nokia 7370 RM-70 Nokia E60 RM-49 Nokia N70 RM-84 Nokia N70ch RM-99 Nokia N71 RM-67 Nokia N80 RM-92 Nokia N90 RM-42 Nokia N91 RM-43 Nokia 3250 Nokia 6125 Nokia 6131 Nokia 6270 Nokia 6280 Nokia 6630 Nokia 6680 Nokia 6681 Nokia 6682 Nokia 7370 Nokia E50 Nokia E60 Nokia E61 Nokia E62 Nokia E70 Nokia N71 Nokia N72 Nokia N73 Nokia N80 Nokia N90 Nokia N91 Nokia N92 Nokia N93 Nokia 6126 Nokia 6136 Nokia 6233 Nokia 6234 Nokia 5500 Nokia N91 RM-43 Nokia N91 RM-158 the only way to get it unlocked is to pay the Network ! . Any site that claims to unlock these is lying !!

Surfer

The phone is a Nokia 6680 locked to the Orange nework. Once you have the £20 credit on the phone, can you use this credit to make calls after you have the unlock code. Does any one know how long the unlock code is valid for? I have two phones that we want to change to the Tesco network as it seems to offer the best all round tariff for a PAYG and calls to South Africa are reasonably priced at £0.20p a minute. Generally I am looking for cross network, landline and one overseas destination at a reasonable price. general spend on both phones is about £15-£20 per month on each phone.

akabee

Surfer wrote:

The phone is a Nokia 6680 locked to the Orange nework. Once you have the £20 credit on the phone, can you use this credit to make calls after you have the unlock code. Does any one know how long the unlock code is valid for?

No you cannot use the £20 to make calls, It costs £20 to unlock the phone.
I think you are confusing the unlock code(unlimited lifespan) with a PAC code which lasts for 30 days.

Surfer

Thanks Akabee. They don't state anything about thsi in their T & Cs. Oh wewll it is good bye Orange, hello freedom!