EE tell me they can't unlock my old iPhone 3GS

grumbler

smiledotcom wrote: »

I'm amazed that others think that the networks are "doing me a favour" by charging me to unlock my own phone!

Have you ever heard of 'sarcasm'?
That said, it will you cost much more to unlock iphone correctly elsewhere.

I'm pretty sure that OFCOM are moving towards banning network providers from charging people a fee to have their handset unlocked when a contract comes to an end.

I don't think that they are.
http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/mobile-phones/changing-provider/mobile-phone-locking-and-unlocking/

kittykat17

Just a quick comment. I wanted to point out the the phone manufacturers charge the networks for the unlocking codes. In addition, it's not just a simple matter of entering the code, the network have to check and double check the info on the phone that's to be unlocked, supply all the relevant info to the manufacturer and then when given the code send it to the owner of the phone and supply them with unlocking instructions.


Therefore, as well as the charge for the code, admin fees would also apply for the time it takes the network to arrange the unlocking.


All the main networks lock their phones to their networks. However, if a phone was supplied by Carphone Warehouse, chances are it wasn't locked.

socrates

kittykat17 wrote: »

Just a quick comment. I wanted to point out the the phone manufacturers charge the networks for the unlocking codes. In addition, it's not just a simple matter of entering the code, the network have to check and double check the info on the phone that's to be unlocked, supply all the relevant info to the manufacturer and then when given the code send it to the owner of the phone and supply them with unlocking instructions.


Therefore, as well as the charge for the code, admin fees would also apply for the time it takes the network to arrange the unlocking.


All the main networks lock their phones to their networks. However, if a phone was supplied by Carphone Warehouse, chances are it wasn't locked.

When I eventually got the unlock code from EE it was 0000!!

glentoran99

kittykat17 wrote: »

Just a quick comment. I wanted to point out the the phone manufacturers charge the networks for the unlocking codes. In addition, it's not just a simple matter of entering the code, the network have to check and double check the info on the phone that's to be unlocked, supply all the relevant info to the manufacturer and then when given the code send it to the owner of the phone and supply them with unlocking instructions.


Therefore, as well as the charge for the code, admin fees would also apply for the time it takes the network to arrange the unlocking.


All the main networks lock their phones to their networks. However, if a phone was supplied by Carphone Warehouse, chances are it wasn't locked.

all iphones are sold unlocked, but they lock to the first network they are used on

grumbler

glentoran99 wrote: »

all iphones are sold unlocked, but they lock to the first network they are used on

Untrue. Not all, but CPW's indeed lock to the first network.

socrates wrote: »

When I eventually got the unlock code from EE it was 0000!!

Iphones don't need any codes for unlocking.

socrates

Did I say I had an iPhone?

Handsome90

kittykat17 wrote: »

Just a quick comment. I wanted to point out the the phone manufacturers charge the networks for the unlocking codes. In addition, it's not just a simple matter of entering the code, the network have to check and double check the info on the phone that's to be unlocked, supply all the relevant info to the manufacturer and then when given the code send it to the owner of the phone and supply them with unlocking instructions.


Therefore, as well as the charge for the code, admin fees would also apply for the time it takes the network to arrange the unlocking.


All the main networks lock their phones to their networks. However, if a phone was supplied by Carphone Warehouse, chances are it wasn't locked.

If it's such a hassle for the networks, then why don't they just supply unlocked phones?

Anoneemoose

Handsome90 wrote: »

If it's such a hassle for the networks, then why don't they just supply unlocked phones?

Because it would then end up costing consumers even more as they would charge more for an unlocked phone. Unlocked phones generally cost more which seems to be standard across all of the network.

Most networks also make it part of the t&c's regarding unlocking and cost (if there is one).

gycraig_2

Handsome90 wrote: »

If it's such a hassle for the networks, then why don't they just supply unlocked phones?

because then foreigners get them and fk off abroad with there unlocked handset they have never made a payment for.

gycraig_2

smiledotcom wrote: »

Well, EE did tell me that I could purchase a sim from them (for £5!) and that I could use that in the phone. But I don't want to do that. I don't want to give any more custom to Orange or EE I just want my phone unlocked.

I spent around £1000 in the course of my contract with Orange so, in my view, they've already had their pound of flesh. I've paid my dues. If they want to charge me to unlock *my* phone then I don't want to use their services anymore.

I would rather move to a provider, such as GiffGaff, who aren't going to embezzle me out of £20 as a parting shot when I decide I want to take my business elsewhere. That kind of "customer service" does not sit well with me.

I do not expect network providers to render my handset unusable (unless I continue to do business with them).

I'm surprised that some people seem to think that just because this is how things usually happen that that renders it acceptable.

I'm amazed that others think that the networks are "doing me a favour" by charging me to unlock my own phone!

In some ways, my "being out of touch" with how the networks operate is refreshing because my standard of what is reasonable is so much higher.

I'm pretty sure that OFCOM are moving towards banning network providers from charging people a fee to have their handset unlocked when a contract comes to an end.

if they want to charge you to unlock there phone you dont want to use there services anymore? your not going to anyway thats why you want the phone unlocking :S

it costs a network time and money to unlock your phone of course theres going to be a charge for it.