can AT&T unlock phone after 3 years?

[Freida]

hello guys,

this is a question for you guys from US. I have a friend that has got iPhone from AT&T and she had it for almost 3 years so her 2 year contract is completed. Her phone is still locked so when she travels to europe she can't use another simcard.
Now, here in europe, the operator has to unlock the iphone after the contract time is completed. Some do it for free and some for a small fee. I'm talking about UK but as far as i know its like that in other european countries.

Now, is there actually a way to do the same in US? She tells me that its not possible but I find it hard to believe as AT&T can't keep the phone locked when the contract is finished as that would not be fair. (I think in UK its actually a law but I'm not 100% sure about that)

So, what is the situation in US, please?

 

[bbfc]

hello guys,

this is a question for you guys from US. I have a friend that has got iPhone from AT&T and she had it for almost 3 years so her 2 year contract is completed. Her phone is still locked so when she travels to europe she can't use another simcard.
Now, here in europe, the operator has to unlock the iphone after the contract time is completed. Some do it for free and some for a small fee. I'm talking about UK but as far as i know its like that in other european countries.

Now, is there actually a way to do the same in US? She tells me that its not possible but I find it hard to believe as AT&T can't keep the phone locked when the contract is finished as that would not be fair. (I think in UK its actually a law but I'm not 100% sure about that)

So, what is the situation in US, please?

A legal requirement? Really? Never heard of this. Networks will unlock the iPhone but this usually comes at a small cost (no more than £20).

 

[dictoresno]

I believe most carriers in the US, especially AT&T, will unlock the phone after 90 days into a new contract at no charge. So all she would have to do is call them and they will email her the unlock code.

 

[Breaking Good]

If you Google AT&T iPhone unlock you should find AT&T's Web site where you can submit a request online.

 

[Freida]

Thank you guys )

2bbfc: ok, ive just googled it and noticed that its not required by law. On the other hand in France sim locking is prohibited so I guess I just confused myself a bit

Looking at it even deeper the law in every country is so different despite EU regulations )

 

[iPhonemaster5S]

Here click on this https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/termsAndCondition

Fill out the form and the unlock will then be processed and it will be unlocked within a few days.

 

[Freida]

Thank you, I've passed it on.

Here click on this https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/termsAndCondition

Fill out the form and the unlock will then be processed and it will be unlocked within a few days.

 

[Applejuiced]

If that doesn't work and they deny you an unlock try this:
http://unlockfusion.net/unlock/at-t-usa-apple-iphone-unlock-12-24-hours

 

[ghanwani]

I believe most carriers in the US, especially AT&T, will unlock the phone after 90 days into a new contract at no charge. So all she would have to do is call them and they will email her the unlock code.

They did not used to do that for iPhones...you had to wait till the end of your contract. However, things have changed now, so maybe they are unlocking iPhones after 3 mos?

FWIW, I find it quite reasonable for data roaming. Voice is a different matter.