Sprint Offers Clarification on iPhone 4S International Micro-SIM Unlocking

[Trauma1]

and Gevey, that just seems like a pain of a process to do every time you turn on the phone.

The current Gevey is fully automatic.

And I don't think I've ever needed to actually turn off my phone. Airplane mode is sufficient.

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But, if you're overseas for more than a vacation (which is even costly on its own with those fees and hotel expenses as well, travelling, etc), NOBODY roams for 1 month+ while there. It's just not feasible. So the alternative is, sticking with the plan of shutting down iPhone for cellphone purposes, and getting a different smartphone or a cheapie go phone and using local cell carrier prepaid plans.

Business travelers.

Sometimes it's more cost-effective to roam. Sometimes it's more cost-effective to use another SIM.

 

[thadoggfather]

Really? I wasn't aware, don't keep up with the unlocking scene. That's neat from a technical standpoint. You dont have to dial 112 or whatever it is I read about, then airplane mode multiple times? I've also been told doing that dials emergency number and is illegal. But I don't think the average person who needs unlock and seeks out the cheap $2 gevey solution cares about legality, they just want their phone to work overseas. But, I might just be assuming.


Also, good point about business travellers. Still, I think if business travellers are weighing the pros and cons of roaming internationally for a few days or going with local plans (because it's more convenient to not bother looking into alternatives to stick with roaming or on the other hand more cost effective or better service/offerings than the AT&T negotiated roam carrier -- though, a lot of places I've travelled have much better service than states so I would imagine this would be moot. in Vienna, using 3 Dreis, I got 1000 min/400 text/1GB for like $18 prepaid. Also, I was always in the city where coverage seemed really good from all carriers, so who knows), I don't think unlocking is going to set them overboard. Especially if you're there for one day, of course it's not worth looking into the alternatives and you sohuld just roam if need be. They seem like two extreme paths. And a business person, of all people, should be able to effectively weigh in which one is more practical and/or affordable to their needs without AT&T restricting options.

Also, one of my friends using her Verizon world phone blackberry said she paid like $70/month to have intenrational roaming in all of Europe. Man was that handy when we had to find hostels in other countries without pulling out a map. If AT&T offered something like that, I would have gone for it. Dreis only really worked when I had a layover in London and Austria, where I got my Austrian number. I couldn't even imagine how handy it would be (and worth it) to be on that Verizon intenrational plan with an iPhone. Maybe I ought to switch, when I have to start paying for the bills and need to go overseas for business or vacation.

another example of how unlocking is benign from AT&T's point of view: if i had a locked iphone 4, needed data and saw that it's $5 for a 1gb month plan, but was only going to be there a few days and knew i needed a decent amount of data to keep up with the news and emails, I'd use an older blackberry for checking things.

BUT... if i had an unlocked iphone, i'd just be using iPhone instead of a crappy BB with a local prepaid plan and would be self-marketing for Apple by showing my bling bling phone off in public in a country that might not be as flooded with iphones

Everybody wins from unlocking, all except those who are profiting from 'alternative' unlock options.

 

[Trauma1]

Really? I wasn't aware, don't keep up with the unlocking scene. That's neat from a technical standpoint. You dont have to dial 112 or whatever it is I read about, then airplane mode multiple times?

You have to install furiousmod from Cydia on a jailbroken iPhone 4. It automates the 112 process.

But even if it wasn't auomated, it's not an issue because I never turn my phone off and would never need to re-do the process, hence the Airplane Mode comment.

Also, good point about business travellers. Still, I think if business travellers are weighing the pros and cons of roaming internationally for a few days or going with local plans I don't think unlocking is going to set them overboard. They seem like two extreme paths. And a business person, of all people, should be able to effectively weigh in which one is more practical and/or affordable to their needs without AT&T restricting options.

Unlocking provides a choice. On an unlocked phone, I can choose get another SIM if that's cheaper. Or I can choose to roam if that's cheaper.

I'll always know what roaming rates are, but I'll never know about other local SIM rates until I actually get there, depending on where I am/where I get it. Often times I anticipate accruing $5 USD in roaming fees, but when I go to get the SIM, it's a minimum of $10 USD. So I stick with roaming.

 

[kntgsp]

Good lord is the U.S. cell market just a giant ass reaming for customers.

Insane pricing and dubious "locked after you buy it unless we deem you arbitrarily somehow to be a good customer or something" policies. Unreal.

 

[andiwm2003]

Starting to look more promising for Sprint.

In my case, AT&T has horrible service at my work location. And spotty at home. Version should be better at both based on tests.

Sprint? Hard to tell right now, but I do like the idea of unlimited data.

Hate to give up voice+data at the same time, but AT&T just won't work for me.

Verizon and Sprint + unlockble GSM? Very good choice for me.

I wonder if it will only be for international use? Be interesting if I could use AT&T after the 2 years (assuming they improve reception). Since, I've had my 3G for over three years, I might have the 4S for that long as well, so it would be nice to have options.

That is pretty much what I want.

What I don't like is that there is no legally binding statement from Verizon or Sprint that the phone will be for sure unlocked in a way that allows ANY Sim card in a foreign country after 60 days.

It's not strong and exact enough spelled out for me to trust them.

I would also like to know why Sprint or Verizon can not use the factory unlocked iPhone 4S. Is this a hardware issue or is it just that Verizon won't let "alien" phones on their network?

The factory unlocked phone would be the safest solution with a month to month contract. Guaranteed unlocked and if Verizon or Sprint suck then I could just switch back to ATT or even T-Mobile (with EDGE data).

 

[thadoggfather]

Unlocking provides a choice. On an unlocked phone, I can choose get another SIM if that's cheaper. Or I can choose to roam if that's cheaper.

I'll always know what roaming rates are, but I'll never know about other local SIM rates until I actually get there, depending on where I am/where I get it. Often times I anticipate accruing $5 USD in roaming fees, but when I go to get the SIM, it's a minimum of $10 USD. So I stick with roaming.

Exactly my point. Whether or not AT&T offered to unlock your iPhone 4 for you, you went with what worked better for you. I don't think unlock will sway you into going one way or the other. That's why I see little harm from AT&T's perspective, especially if they offer '$29 unlocking fees' or something to add some extra cash flow to their revenues. But even if it were free, I don't think they would be losing out on any money they would have otherwise gotten.

 

[KPOM]

The Sprint press release says:

"Sprint's policy is to have the iPhone 4S SIM locked to our network domestically and internationally. At launch, the International SIM will be unlocked. We do expect a SIM lock to be pushed to the devices shortly after launch. We will then allow existing customers in good standing to unlock the SIM for international use if needed in the future.

Customers can sign up for one of our international rate plans and use this phone all over the world... "

So it appears their definition of "lock" and "unlock" is the ability of the device to roam onto GSM networks at all. Customer in good standing will have the roaming capability enabled for the pre-installed Sprint SIM and they can pay Sprint's hefty roaming rates. They certainly don't seem intent on letting you use any one else's SIM.

No, that's not what it means. Sprint will allow anyone, including a new customer with decent credit, to sign up for an international rate plan. However, if you are in good standing (VZW considers this to be a customer for 60 days without being late with a payment), then Sprint will unlock it so you can use your own SIM when outside the US. You can still use Sprint's roaming rates, which might make sense if you are in Canada, or only want it for an emergency and don't intend to use data when overseas.

 

[andiwm2003]

No, that's not what it means. Sprint will allow anyone, including a new customer with decent credit, to sign up for an international rate plan. However, if you are in good standing (VZW considers this to be a customer for 60 days without being late with a payment), then Sprint will unlock it so you can use your own SIM when outside the US. You can still use Sprint's roaming rates, which might make sense if you are in Canada, or only want it for an emergency and don't intend to use data when overseas.

I think you are right.

The problem is that Sprint did not say on record when the will unlock and that their definition of unlocked is "ANY Sim" in a foreign country. So if they change their policy we are screwed.

This would all be not a problem if ATT was forced to unlock iPhones after the 2 year contract is up (like in all other civilized countries). Then there would be 10 Million unlocked iPhone 3 GS out there for sale at reasonable prices and neither Verizon, Sprint or ATT could afford to play these silly lock/unlock games.

 

[TallManNY]

This might sound strange to american customers, but will sound very familiar to European customers, because the regulation on our countries usually say that THE CELL PHONE CARRIER SHOULD SELL NETWORK, NOT PHONES. If they do want to sell phones - they should offer the same benefits to competing handset retailers.

It does seem a little strange because someone has to pay Apple for the phones. But I guess the carrier likes it when someone brings another phone onto their network because they sell minutes but didn't have to subsidize the phone.

 

[odedia]

It does seem a little strange because someone has to pay Apple for the phones. But I guess the carrier likes it when someone brings another phone onto their network because they sell minutes but didn't have to subsidize the phone.

Exactly. When you think of it - the carrier doesn't really make money on the phone, right? Actually, they probably LOSE money on the phone. They make money by tying you into their network. The cell phone is just the bate. So they shouldn't really care about where you got it from (you still have to show a receipt), they should care about you being on their network.

To your question about who pays for the phone - I do. The full price, 549$ and up based on the model, at an Apple store, for an unlocked model. At the end, it is either same price or cheaper than buying it from the carrier. At least I have the option of choice.

 

[justski]

no need to worry

I don't think anyone needs to worry about anything. If you are in good standing then you will be able to unlock and enjoy.

 

[Tiger8]

How you know? Let me ask, What about Verizon iPhone 4S?

It just seems to be too much of a work to lock it only to unlock it a couple of weeks later.

I thought Verizon's is already locked but will be unlocked after 60 days of good service.

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Good lord is the U.S. cell market just a giant ass reaming for customers.

Insane pricing and dubious "locked after you buy it unless we deem you arbitrarily somehow to be a good customer or something" policies. Unreal.

I agree with you, I hate the US locked and contract model.

BUT THAT SAID, as much as I hate AT&T, if it wasn't for a willing then gambling partner, iPhone wouldn't be the phone it is today. Subsidizing a then $1000 phone was a huge deal, and if it wasn't for the 'contract' and subsidizing, none of the smart phones, particularly the iPhone, would have been realizable.

 

[OriginalMacRat]

I travel internationally every 6 weeks normally with my T-mobile and two unlocked phones for local cards. So the Sprint phone sounds great for me - lose T-mobile, resolve local sim extra phone carry - get iphone.

Or just buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple and drop in your T-Mobile SIM. (Ask your local T-Mobile store to transfer you number from the full size SIM to a micro SIM they stock now.)

 

[accessoriesguy]

wow thats crazy, i didn't know they were capable of that, is jailbreaking able to overcome this?

 

[louis Fashion]

So many Questions

1. I thought I saw a post many months ago stating that you had to have a bank account in the country you were visiting in order to get a SIM (or otherwise on the foreign network) do I understand that I can now get a foreign network card on a walk in basis?

2. I had my Verizon phone in Europe last month (paying big red for international service) and only used it a few times. The charges were off the hook. (data roaming - thank god - was turned OFF!!!)

 

[ellsworth]

One of the reasons why I hate it when rumor sites like this post up these findings... Once things like this are announced and discovered by all, companies take action and the fun is all gone. Bummer.

 

[SAD*FACED*CLOWN]

I am moving to Sprint next week but I know this whole SIM being locked is bluffing. I guess for some reason they say it is locked,,, but oh wait, someone actually tried it and says it worked? Well it will be locked soon, then unlocked again if you are good.

Love you Sprint, but your PR department is a disaster. Last time their shares dropped significantly because they refused to disclose the details about their deal with Apple, making everyone think it is indeed the 30 million story in WSJ, and now they apologized and they will 'set things straight'.

My 2 cents? It is unlocked, it will always be unlocked. bluffing

I think you're going to be in for a surprise...Sprint is trying to make money off you...an unlocked sim slot would defeat that purpose

 

[Kwill]

Are they TRYING to sell iPhones?

Appreciate your up-front public deceptive practice policy.

 

[John.B]

Has the rumor that Verizon will unlock the micro-SIM slot on the iPhone 4S after sixty days for customers in good standing been confirmed? Will it be automatic or will it require a call to tech support?

I don't get where the 60 day time limit comes in, unless that's the return period or the date the contract locks you into an ETF fee...

 

[dksram]

The first time you update iTunes it will lock it. Any bets?

 

[Žalgiris]

US carriers are ridiculous.

It's called 'stone age'.

 

[Finiksa]

1. I thought I saw a post many months ago stating that you had to have a bank account in the country you were visiting in order to get a SIM (or otherwise on the foreign network) do I understand that I can now get a foreign network card on a walk in basis?

No, you don't need a bank account. If you want phone contract you'll probably need a credit rating in that country or pay a substantial security deposit.

If you just want a working phone just walk into supermarket/petrol station/pet store and say 'Good day kind Sir. I should like your finest prepaid/pay as you go SIM card, please and thank you.' and you'll soon be delighted to find that in America your phone service prices are 5 to 10 times higher than the rest of the world.

 

[Žalgiris]

No, you don't need a bank account. If you want phone contract you'll probably need a credit rating in that country or pay a substantial security deposit.

If you just want a working phone just walk into supermarket/petrol station/pet store and say 'Good day kind Sir. I should like your finest prepaid/pay as you go SIM card, please and thank you.' and you'll soon be delighted to find that in America your phone service prices are 5 to 10 times higher than the rest of the world.

Last time i visited States i was shocked. My current plan at home is (converted to US dollars) 9.98 US dollars for 10 hours of talk time and 1000 SMS messages and if i'm not mistaken 200 MB of data.

 

[Finiksa]

Last time i visited States i was shocked. My current plan at home is (converted to US dollars) 9.98 US dollars for 10 hours of talk time and 1000 SMS messages and if i'm not mistaken 200 MB of data.

Tell me about it. My plan has unlimited calls and text to the same network, 90 min to other networks and 1GB of data including tethering, also unused minutes and data rollover (I have 1400 minutes and 5GB built up). All this for a shocking $19 per month including tax.

Even the price of prepaid plans in the US freaks me out.

 

[integlspwr]

let me confirm. if i buy a sprint iPhone 4s like on craigslist or something. i should be able to pop in my AT&T micro sim from my original iPhone 4 and use it with no problem?

i can't seem to get a straight answer.

Thanks in advance!