Carrier Sprint Users! READ! New Automatic Domestic Unlock Policy Change!

[eyoungren]

So does this DSU policy automatically apply to those who had a international SIM unlock from Sprint? Will my device automatically be updated with the new id policy?

I know the same as you. Everything is in what was written and it says that the 5s, 5c, 6 and 6+ will get an automatic Domestic SIM Unlock after Feb. 19, 2015 - provided all commitments are met.

That's all I know, based on what I read. They didn't make any other comments about iPhones that already have international unlocks or anything like that.

However, I did not read any further comments so someone might have written something in response, I don't know.

 

[RiddlaBronc]

If someone buys a full price iphone 6 from sprint or best buy it will become unlocked after the 19th?

 

[KPOM]

This is great, I have been doing some investigation my self, Some Verizon iPhones are only domestically unlocked but locked against international use.

I don't think that's the case. All Verizon LTE phones are completely unlocked. They do not "country lock" the phones.

 

[acadiel]

I don't think that's the case. All Verizon LTE phones are completely unlocked. They do not "country lock" the phones.

I am hoping that the rumored BYOD for iPhone 6 units will fall into place after this DSU is implemented. Then, truly, Sprint can grab other services customers and entice them with some nice offers if they already have their own handsets.

Sprint can pry my $25 Framily 1GB plan in my paid off 5S from my dead cold hands

 

[Allthings-I]

I don't think that's the case. All Verizon LTE phones are completely unlocked. They do not "country lock" the phones.

100% True, I've consulted with some unlockers in the industry.

Not all Verizon iPhones are fully unlocked. They comply with FCC and unlock them for domestic use, but try using them internationally and it says "Invalid SIM" the same message that a locked iPhone displays.

Verizon got new tricks up its sleeve. FCC agreement doesn't limit it locking against International use.

Find a Verizon iPhone 6/6+ with this policy: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Unlock for Domestic Use but Locked for International Use -- your welcome to test one and share your findings.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

100% True, I've consulted with some unlockers in the industry.

Not all Verizon iPhones are fully unlocked. They comply with FCC and unlock them for domestic use, but try using them internationally and it says "Invalid SIM" the same message that a locked iPhone displays.

Verizon got new tricks up its sleeve. FCC agreement doesn't limit it locking against International use.

Find a Verizon iPhone 6/6+ with this policy: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Unlock for Domestic Use but Locked for International Use -- your welcome to test one and share your findings.

Please stop spreading false information, FCC regulations prohibit SIM locking devices period for Verizon LTE devices. Regardless if the SIM is for a CDMA or GSM network inside the United States or not. For this to be true, Apple would have to create the network policy to restrict international use(which makes absolutely no sense at all), and Apple is very aware of the FCC regulations and would not break them by allowing Verizon to have that policy implemented.

 

[aneftp]

100% True, I've consulted with some unlockers in the industry.

Not all Verizon iPhones are fully unlocked. They comply with FCC and unlock them for domestic use, but try using them internationally and it says "Invalid SIM" the same message that a locked iPhone displays.

Verizon got new tricks up its sleeve. FCC agreement doesn't limit it locking against International use.

Find a Verizon iPhone 6/6+ with this policy: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Unlock for Domestic Use but Locked for International Use -- your welcome to test one and share your findings.

Yup. Verizon is very sneaky with their "unlock". The Apple iPhone 5 and newer are the only iPhones Verizon doesn't mess around with. It's cauze Apple doesn't let Verizon mess with it's firmware.

Try to use Verizon Nokia windows phones that are lte. Good luck getting the mms settings. So many complaints both Verizon and windows software lockdown the mms settings no matter what software u try to use to change the mms.

Same with some android phones. U have to root the android phones like the Note 2/Galaxy phones that are let.

So yes. Gsm and texting work right out of the box with Verizon lte phones. But mms and data are tricker unless u get an iPhone. Cause apple don't let Verizon play games with their firmware.

 

[Allthings-I]

Please stop spreading false information, FCC regulations prohibit SIM locking devices period for Verizon LTE devices. Regardless if the SIM is for a CDMA or GSM network inside the United States or not. For this to be true, Apple would have to create the network policy to restrict international use(which makes absolutely no sense at all), and Apple is very aware of the FCC regulations and would not break them by allowing Verizon to have that policy implemented.

Harrison I'm sure you don't know it all so its ok to accept. As for me, I for one would never EVER share information I am not sure about.

I am very positive you don't know more than those in the business of unlocking and deal with these types of units on daily basis. This new policy I shared earlier is only applicable to the iPhone 6/6+ where the devices remain UNLOCKED for domestic use but do not work with any international SIM. This information was directly shared by one of the leaders in unlocking business.

Also the Verizon Policy I talked about earlier is not assigned to all phones, appears to be mainly assigned to financed devices. Those on contracts still appear to be having the old policy.

Full Domestic + International Unlocked Policy for Verizon iPhones = US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56/N51/N48/N42 Activation Policy

Full Domestic ONLY unlock / International Locked Verizon Policy = US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56 Activation Policy.

N61/N56 present 6/6+ models internally.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Harrison I'm sure you don't know it all so its ok to accept. As for me, I for one would never EVER share information I am not sure about.

I am very positive you don't know more than those in the business of unlocking and deal with these types of units on daily basis. This new policy I shared earlier is only applicable to the iPhone 6/6+ where the devices remain UNLOCKED for domestic use but do not work with any international SIM. This information was directly shared by one of the leaders in unlocking business.

Also the Verizon Policy I talked about earlier is not assigned to all phones, appears to be mainly assigned to financed devices. Those on contracts still appear to be having the old policy.

Full Domestic + International Unlocked Policy for Verizon iPhones = US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56/N51/N48/N42 Activation Policy

Full Domestic ONLY unlock / International Locked Verizon Policy = US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56 Activation Policy.

N61/N56 present 6/6+ models internally.

Which "leader" was this? 3rd phone unlock leaders BS all of the time and should not be trusted at all. Apple would be violating federal law to allow Verizon to lock devices in such a way and they will not allow it.

 

[Allthings-I]

Which "leader" was this? 3rd phone unlock leaders BS all of the time and should not be trusted at all. Apple would be violating federal law to allow Verizon to lock devices in such a way and they will not allow it.

Just a matter of time before people start asking this question on the forums.

perhaps the FCC agreement only restricts to what Verizon can do domestically and does not regulate them against their locking/unlocking against international use. Have you consulted with the FCC and and ask if Verizon can do for international lock/unlock?

At the end of the day the carrier lock policies are assigned based on the agreement with the Carrier and in no way is Apple violating any laws. Carrier's make that shot as to what the device can and can't work on NOT Apple. Apple creates the hardware and the software that runs the device, limiting what networks a device works on is up to the carrier's to decide.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Just a matter of time before people start asking this question on the forums.

perhaps the FCC agreement only restricts to what Verizon can do domestically and does not regulate them against their locking/unlocking against international use. Have you consulted with the FCC and and ask if Verizon can do for international lock/unlock?

At the end of the day the carrier lock policies are assigned based on the agreement with the Carrier and in no way is Apple violating any laws. Carrier's make that shot as to what the device can and can't work on NOT Apple. Apple creates the hardware and the software that runs the device, limiting what networks a device works on is up to the carrier's to decide.

I read the FCC agreement. It states that Verizon cannot prohibit devices operating on band 13 from operating on different networks. Regardless if it's internationally or domestic. Apple would not be agreeing to implement a policy that violates federal law, you have not stated which unlock provider said this about Verizon iPhones.

tl:dr You're wrong and have no proof to back it up.

 

[acadiel]

100% True, I've consulted with some unlockers in the industry.

Not all Verizon iPhones are fully unlocked. They comply with FCC and unlock them for domestic use, but try using them internationally and it says "Invalid SIM" the same message that a locked iPhone displays.

Verizon got new tricks up its sleeve. FCC agreement doesn't limit it locking against International use.

Find a Verizon iPhone 6/6+ with this policy: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Unlock for Domestic Use but Locked for International Use -- your welcome to test one and share your findings.

Just tried an EE (Orange) SIM in my VZW 128GB 6, and it worked just fine. No invalid SIM message or anything. So, not sure if this is a fluke or what on certain VZW devices. Same EE SIM also worked in my wife's VZW 5S, and my daughter's VZW 5 with no issue.

Edit: This thread at Apple indicates that this a known issue by senior advisors: "Finally I spoke with a Senior Adviser that submitted a request to the Apple Engineers. From my understanding this an error with the Apple Server that validates your iPhone's IMEI and or a Synchronization issue between Verizon Wireless's database and Apple's servers."

Thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6763925

 

[617aircav]

Just tried an EE (Orange) SIM in my VZW 128GB 6, and it worked just fine. No invalid SIM message or anything. So, not sure if this is a fluke or what on certain VZW devices. Same EE SIM also worked in my wife's VZW 5S, and my daughter's VZW 5 with no issue.

Edit: This thread at Apple indicates that this a known issue by senior advisors: "Finally I spoke with a Senior Adviser that submitted a request to the Apple Engineers. From my understanding this an error with the Apple Server that validates your iPhone's IMEI and or a Synchronization issue between Verizon Wireless's database and Apple's servers."

Thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6763925

Your Verizon phone was never locked so it will work with any sim.

 

[acadiel]

Your Verizon phone was never locked so it will work with any sim.

Yup. Just trying to counter what Allthings was saying about this international lock nonsense for VZW iPhones. It probably is just a glitch if it exists. VZW iPhones are 100% unlocked.

 

[eyoungren]

POST#1 updated.

Sprint's policy against unlocking has now been repealed. It's over folks!!!

 

[RiddlaBronc]

How can one check on that without inserting another sim card? Or thats the only way?

 

[eyoungren]

How can one check on that without inserting another sim card? Or thats the only way?

I don't know. There are a number of IMEI check sites out there, but I have no idea if they will work or not.

Technically, you still have 8 more days before the automatic unlock will occur for the 5s/5c/6/6+. It's scheduled for February 19, 2015.

 

[sasky]

Will Sprint unlock a phone that's not currently active? I'm assuming the automatic unlock is for current Sprint customers only.

 

[eyoungren]

Will Sprint unlock a phone that's not currently active? I'm assuming the automatic unlock is for current Sprint customers only.

They note in the new policy that owners of unactivated iPhones will need to call Sprint.

 

[dontwalkhand]

POST#1 updated.

Sprint's policy against unlocking has now been repealed. It's over folks!!!

I got off the phone with Sprint, and our iPhones since they're paid out will be unlocked automatically on the 19th!

That means BETTER RESALE VALUES!

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Will Sprint unlock a phone that's not currently active? I'm assuming the automatic unlock is for current Sprint customers only.

From what they told me it'll be an OTA Update. And one wouldn't need to do anything. I'll try my T-Mobile sim on the 19th.

Yes you do need to be a Sprint Customer. Non active devices will need to call in to make sure the device has no unpaid balance.

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How can one check on that without inserting another sim card? Or thats the only way?

You can pop into a T-Mobile or At&t store and they'll let you insert their SIM to check.

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Also I was on the phone with Direct Support out of North Carolina, for Sprint.

All iPhone 5s and up will be unlocked as of the 19th, and the Feb manufacturing date only applies to Android devices as they used an MSL. Sprint is migrating all new devices to CSIMs like Verizon has.

 

[solodogg]

All iPhone 5s and up will be unlocked as of the 19th, and the Feb manufacturing date only applies to Android devices as they used an MSL. Sprint is migrating all new devices to CSIMs like Verizon has.

If they are switching to CSIM's exclusively, wonder if swapping a functioning Sprint SIM into a Verizon phone will work (minus Band 41 of course)???

 

[Allthings-I]

Just tried an EE (Orange) SIM in my VZW 128GB 6, and it worked just fine. No invalid SIM message or anything. So, not sure if this is a fluke or what on certain VZW devices. Same EE SIM also worked in my wife's VZW 5S, and my daughter's VZW 5 with no issue.

Edit: This thread at Apple indicates that this a known issue by senior advisors: "Finally I spoke with a Senior Adviser that submitted a request to the Apple Engineers. From my understanding this an error with the Apple Server that validates your iPhone's IMEI and or a Synchronization issue between Verizon Wireless's database and Apple's servers."

Thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6763925

Either way the issue exists and what I brought up earlier is still very much valid, its an Issue with Apple or Verizon, and until they don't resolve it, this issue will limit those devices to be in International LOCKED and Domestic UNLOCKED state.

I was looking around locally to buy a iPhone 6 just to check things out, didn't end up buying it but I bought a IMEI report on one that someone was selling and it too had the policy and sure enough when I tried my international SIM it said the Invalid SIM Error, so here is the policy to avoid:

US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Domestic Unlock / International Lock

US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56/N51/N48/N42 = Fully Factory Unlocked for US + Worldwide usage. As you know the N51/N48/N42 = 5S / 5C / 5 = Have no issues ever with working in US + Overseas

Ps. Thanks for sharing that thread, I want to start a thread but I know that there are too many people that will just take this in the wrong direction and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about.
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tl:dr You're wrong and have no proof to back it up.

read my above post and here is the proof:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6763925

Either way the issue exists and what I brought up earlier is still very much valid, its an Issue with Apple or Verizon, and until they don't resolve it, this issue will limit those devices to be in International LOCKED and Domestic UNLOCKED state and if you happen to be the sucker with a international locked VZW 6/6+ I wish you all the best dealing with Verizon or Apple lol....

You can put it how ever you want to, I KNOW I am right because issue exists.

Regardless if it exists due to a mistake and is in anyway violation of their FCC agreement. Fact is PHONE IS LOCKED against international use!

funny thing is even on the Apple thread there are so many people like YOU in disbelief.

Just wait and watch, the issue will become widely known and then there will be endless threads about it.

At the end of the day I'm sharing because I know this is a problem and point of sharing is so people can avoid dealing with this issue rather than knowing it but ignoring it and screwing someone else over in the long run if you happen to have one of those units and resell it.

 

[dontwalkhand]

If they are switching to CSIM's exclusively, wonder if swapping a functioning Sprint SIM into a Verizon phone will work (minus Band 41 of course)???

Any SIM card in iPhone 6 is already CSIM, but someone tried that on YouTube and I think it just said "Could not activate iPhone, Call Sprint Customer service at 611"

The phone probably still has to be in Sprints database., for now at least. We should try it after the 19th.

 

[acadiel]

Any SIM card in iPhone 6 is already CSIM, but someone tried that on YouTube and I think it just said "Could not activate iPhone, Call Sprint Customer service at 611"

The phone probably still has to be in Sprints database., for now at least. We should try it after the 19th.

Just for kicks and grins yesterday, I tried my Sprint 5S SIM in my VZW 6.

The VZW 6 initially saw LTE, and I was able to get data in Safari working for a small while. About after 5 minutes, the "INVALID SIM" came up instead of "SPRINT" at the top. A minute or so later, the phone popup came up that saying something to the effect that the SIM had malfunctioned and I needed to reboot the iPhone. Rebooted the iPhone, lather, rinse, repeat. Data works for a little while on LTE before the stupid SIM crap starts happening.

When Sprint unlocks my 5S, I'm going to try my VZW 6 SIM in it just for kicks and grins.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

If they are switching to CSIM's exclusively, wonder if swapping a functioning Sprint SIM into a Verizon phone will work (minus Band 41 of course)???

Sprint will still run the ESN against it's whitelist regardless if they are using a CSIM or not. Tried my Sprint SIM in a Verizon 5c and no dice.