Phone locked to EE network - EE unlocking team on furlough!

noitsnotme

I have an iPhone that is network locked to EE that I'm trying to unlock so can utilise better deals with other networks.  The phone was second hand from a legitimate source.  I phoned EE and expected to be able to pay the £8.99 they ask for unlocking a second hand phone not already on an EE account, but apparently their entire unlocking team is on furlough!

I've looked at some of these online unlocking services but there appear to be many that charge an initial fee and then ask a for second higher fee later on.

Any suggestions for a source that can unlock without charging extortionate fees or am I stuck waiting for the EE team to come back from furlough?

shyone

I bought an iphone on ebay that was advertised as compatible with several providers, including virgin (my provider) however when it arrived I discovered it was locked locked to EE.  I have been stupid enough to pay an online service for unlocking after speaking to EE and finding that they would do nothing until the phone ( I assume date of contract) was 6 months old, the online service first took a modest circa £20 fee from me, then after a few weeks offered ma an upgrade to 'premium' service to get a quicker resolution, like a fool I paid and it was at that point they came back to me with the news that nothing could be done until the phone was 6 months old.  I was furious but put it down to my own stupidity for falling for it.  the 6 months has now passed and I have heard nothing from the online unlocking service, but thought fine, I can now go direct to EE pay £8.99 and get the phone unlocked.  I did get through but was informed that as I had no live account with EE, they could not unlock the phone - what they meant was, the would not, as clearly they can unlock, their website says it can.  Their advice was to go to a backstreet phone shop for them to unlock.  Yes, I should have returned the phone I bought on ebay and complained that it was not as described, but I chose to keep it because I was sure I would find a way to unlock it, but 6 months on and I've had no joy, who would have thought it possible.  Lockdown has meant that my plan to take better pics was put on hold, but I'm keen to get out there now.  😖