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AT&T and Apple Tightening Policies to Reduce iPhone Unlocking

Excellent news. Simply put, ha ha to all those who unlock their iPhone's. I'll be glad to see the end of the unlocked handset black market.

It is unfortunate that to achieve this, Apple have had to resort to the traditional methods of signing up to a contract. The iTunes model was beautiful.
 
Will you actually have to activate it in the store or will you be able to just activate it over the phone with a service rep? The iTunes activation failed for my wifes iPhone because ATT needed to change our existing contract and iTunes activation couldn't handle that. I imagine you'll be able to take the phone home and activate that way... is Apple really able to or want to handle phone service contracts for ATT?
 
Weak, the purchase and activation process was one of the best things about buying the iPhone that I enjoyed. The best experience in buying a cell phone ever, no waiting 45 minutes for some lame employee to process everything. I really hope this isn't true.
 
Anuba said:
Yeah, I can see it...

Customer: Hi, I'm buying this iPhone as a gift.

Clerk: Cool! I'll just rip open the box, place the phone on this grainy tabletop and use my fat greasy fingers to activate it. Woah, dropped it, sorry. I'll just wipe it off with this stinky rag. Oops, dead battery, can you come back after lunch when I've recharged it next to the garbage can?
Click to expand...

Not sure if this counts for where you are, but on the o2 website (UK):

"Can I buy iPhone as a gift?
You certainly can. Buying and activating the iPhone can be carried out by two different people. But the person activating it must meet the eligibility criteria.

If you want to return your iPhone, having received it as a gift (fairly unlikely, we know) please see our returns policy."

I'd read this as you can buy the phone from the store unactivated, then take home to give to friend/relative as a present (or yourself ;) ) then activate within 30 days to avoid 'penalty'.
Thoughts?

Link: https://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/frequentlyaskedquestions/prepurchase

Just spotted this too:

"Connecting and activating your iPhone
When you connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using the USB cable provided, iTunes will activate your device and start connection to the O2 network. To complete the activation process, you'll need to provide:

Your name and address
Your email address (it is important to use a valid email address as we'll send you your mobile bill by email)
Your previous address, if you've lived at your present address for less than three years
Bank account details for your tariff bill
Credit or debit card details for your iTunes Music Store account
If you're an existing O2 customer and you wish to retain your existing number, you'll need to provide your current mobile telephone number.
Please ensure you have your existing mobile with you and switched on, as we'll send you a text message containing a 4-digit security PIN code. You'll need to type this PIN code into iTunes to confirm the migration
If you wish to migrate your mobile number from another network provider, or if you're an O2 customer billed by Carphone Warehouse, you'll need to provide a "PAC code". You'll need to get this from your existing service provider.

During the activation process you'll be provided with an O2 username and password, we strongly suggest that you write these details down, as you'll need them in the future to be able to access your mobile phone bill via the online functionality."


Link: https://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/activation (this is for 3g iPhone)

Also this:

"Can I activate the iPhone in an O2 store?
You'll activate the iPhone in the comfort of your own home using your Mac or PC and iTunes."

Now unless this is stuff that hasnt been updated, then it looks like nothing has changed (for the UK atleast)
I got to all these links from links within advertising for the 3g iPhone
 
Anuba said:
You mean the forced in-store activation thing?

Yeah, I sincerely doubt that's legal anywhere in the EU. And it sucks that you can't buy it online, not just Apple Store but no online store period. Man, I haven't bought any electronics from a regular physical retail store for ages...
Click to expand...

Yup, that's what I meant.

I actually bought my current phone in a physical store, because I couldn't find it anywhere on the net. It's a sweet and thin Samsung.
 
Nermal said:
I know that the question's a joke, but if you're genuinely curious it's to help you remove the card from the tiny slot. It's actually labelled "SIM ejector tool" on the NZ site.
Click to expand...

haha I know I know... but its the fact they now include one when they didn't before.

makes you wonder who is stipulating the locking procedures now doesn't it.
 
You're absolutely right!!!

iToaster said:
I don't know if anybody thought of this, but because Apple is including a SIM tray popper-outer, perhaps AT&T will activate SIM cards for you in the store and you can take them home and put them in your iPhone once you open it. (the iPhone uses a special SIM, yes?)
Click to expand...

By golly I think you got it!!!!!!:D:)
 
iZac said:
You star! These links deserves their own thread.

ironically i was staring at this page, waiting for an update:

http://shop.o2.co.uk/iPhone
Click to expand...

Agreed. I was really annoyed that I might have to sign up for a contract (I'm on Simplicity) but at least I know I'll have a PAYG option. Hopefully this means Simplicity will be fully allowed also.

However, I've noticed that (fair use) unlimited data acces will now include The Cloud AND BT Openzone Wi-Fi as part of the iPhone tarriff. This is quite good I think, BT Openzone have great coverage here in NI, so that adds value. If there was only some way to hook up my MBP to the iPhone for internet access....
 
I'll be keeping my 8gb I guess - no ATT at all where I live. It sure plays nice on T-Mobile tho.

THAT'S ONE REASON FOR UNLOCKING YOU MORONS - SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ATT AT ALL. :p
 
I wonder if since my iPhone is prepaid if I where to go in and buy the new 3G model they would just up-my plan to the 10 dollar difference for the 3G speed and let me swap my sim card in and out? Anyone have any thoughts
 
davidjearly said:
Excellent news. Simply put, ha ha to all those who unlock their iPhone's. I'll be glad to see the end of the unlocked handset black market.

It is unfortunate that to achieve this, Apple have had to resort to the traditional methods of signing up to a contract. The iTunes model was beautiful.
Click to expand...

I really don't understand why people get so personally offended when others want to unlock their own personal product...
 
i am sure you'll be able to buy online.
they would lose bazillions in sales if they go that route.

as other have posted, they must have a way to give it as a present, so they must sell it as a non activated item.

so it's possible that you can get it, but without a SIM card, and it will only recognize ATT SIM cards (in the US).
that explains the SIM extractor, and also allows migration from one (ATT) contract to the next: just move the card.

alternatively, maybe you have a significant 'deposit' (like 200$) that you can get back only upon activation at ATT. this would mean that the phone is, i fact subsidized, and you can buy out of it by forfaiting the deposit.

besides, the phone WILL be unlockable within a couple of weeks from release, whether they like it or not...
 
davidjearly said:
I don't get personally offended. I am pleased that Apple are attempting to prevent people from unlocking handsets and selling them at a higher price.
Click to expand...

Well if you had read my long post you might find that they actually wont be preventing that from happening in the UK atleast...
 
gkarris said:
So there you go, all the people who said the old iPhone is worth next to nothing...

The old phones are good for unlocking...
Click to expand...


Well said ... I was thinking that my iPhone would bring $100 max. (16gb) But now, unlockers will be hoarding these by the dozens.
 
To add to my previous post, this from the o2 webiste:

"Am I signing up for a minimum term contract when I buy the iPhone online or instore?
You'll be asked to choose a tariff and sign up to an 18-month minimum term Pay Monthly O2 contract when you activate your iPhone via iTunes."
 
pliskin said:
So even if you buy online you still have to activate in store? Smart for foot traffic (and accessory sales), but kinda of annoying really.
Click to expand...

The 3G iPhone can not be bought via Apple or AT&T online sites. Only in stores.
 
Aznsensation45 said:
Just for clarification...there are NO SUBSIDIZED PRICES! this is the base price... no rebate..nothing..it's just that..

anyways..i'm with AT&T already and i'm in a family plan..so it's not that bad.:D
Click to expand...

According to other posts you are correct (technically) but you cannot leave the store with the phone without first signing a 2-year contract. I have a 1st generation 8GB iPhone on the Go Phone plan. I get a few less minutes versus a contract but I never run out. I use it for EDGE and e-mail mainly. I do not want to be tied into a contract. So maybe you are correct but I cannot get a $299 16gb iPhone and take it home without first signing a contract.

D
 
This will increase go phone sales which can be canceled after 30 days.

Probably will punish legit Go Phone users too.

The old system was pressured by other countries not having legit access. That has been solved. This is closing the barn door after the horse has left!!

ATT=Government (they consider that a compliment)

Rocketman
 
ddTaylor said:
It is not that I cannot get a contract (I can) - I choose NOT to sign a long-term contract. AT&T service in Mid-Illinois is spotty at best and NO 3G in a Big 10 University town! Go figure! AT&T said with the prevalence of Wi-Fi in this area 3G is not a priority for my community.

Anyway - does anyone know the NON-subsidized price? I just sold my iPhone on Craigslist last week in order to get the new iPhone for GPS support (mainly) and now I read in order to buy the phone I MUST sign a 2-year contract. That blows...I like the old way it was done, but then again - the older I get the less I like change (I know, I sold one iPhoe to get a new iPhone, a bit of a Paradox).

Anyone? Can it be purchased without a contract? If I buy it and slap my SIM card in it and DO NOT activate the phone with a 2-year contract, what will happen? A $200 charge on my CC? Cancellation of my Go Phone service?

Thank you in advance - if you know.

D
Click to expand...

Well, since AT&T is moving the iPhone to the normal smartphone plans, you should be able to get it without the data if you can stan a 2-year voice plan.

2-year contracts + locked phones are the biggest scam. I want to see the day when both are made illegal.
 
stagi said:
Weak, the purchase and activation process was one of the best things about buying the iPhone that I enjoyed. The best experience in buying a cell phone ever, no waiting 45 minutes for some lame employee to process everything. I really hope this isn't true.
Click to expand...

I know wht you mean. When my wife's basic phone from Sprint died, we upgraded both her any my phone at the same time. It had to be activated at the kiosk, else we risked losing all our pictures, etc. Get it home and found he did not configure her phone for vioce mail, texting was not enabled, and a couple of other features we had on the old phone was no longer active. It took 3 hours on the phone with a sprint employee, and let me tell ya. Sprint doesn't have the birghtest of people working when you call their 800#.

I feel bad for people who buy an iphone. AT&T may just ruin the experience. Truthfully. Apple should do the activation. they know the phone the best... Order it online through Apple, Apple contact AT&T for the account information. You mail is sent to you and Apple calls you or sends a separate with a code to unlock phone itself through the virtual keypad. this way no risk your phone being stolen before you get it and someone hogs your account.
 
Who cares if people sell unlocked phones at higher prices. The original iPhone wasn't hard to unlock at all and if there are those who aren't technically apt and want to pay someone else for an unlocked phone, that is their business.

Unlocking phone is legal in the US because it is protected under an addendum to the 2000 DMCA. Also, unlocking the first iphone didn't break any EULAs because you could do it without clicking any software agreements or signing up for any contract with AT&T. There are those that suggest by buying the phone you are implicitly entering into an agreement but i'm not sure how that would stand up in court.

In any case, if there are those that want to buy an iPhone and use it as a Wifi device or Edge device on T-mobiles network for a substantially reduced monthly cost, and they can figure out how to do it without breaking any agreements with AT&T or Apple, I say more power to them.
 
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