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

[AEK]

Absolute Sprint Frustration

Hello,

Thank you so much for a wealth of information. I scrolled through this thread and there was more here than ever provided by Sprint. As mentioned I read through the thread and have a question. Please forgive me if you have answered it.

We are currently international. (In Australia) Previous Sprint clients in good standing. Brought an Iphone 5 and an HTC One with us from the Sprint Network. Did not unlock SIM on either before leaving the USA. Paid Sprint out or both phones closed down the account. HTC was unlocked before we actually closed down the account but this was done when we were already in Australia.

After arrival into Australia. (Not Smart Move) Contacted Sprint to unlock the phones. Not a problem with the HTC, but we have been here for one year now and the Iphone 5 is a glorified Ipod here.

Called Sprint this week regarding the new legislation. Appeared that they were finally assisting us and was provided an MSL code for the Iphone and instructed to take it to a local provider. Local provider had no idea what to do with this code.

Called Sprint again was advised that the MSL code was only for a domestic unlock of the SIM slot and was further advised that this phone could not be unlocked for international use as it isn't on US soil. Asked couldn't they just shoot through a message to Apple regarding the IMEI. Told: No it didn't work that way. Was advised also by Sprint to send the Iphone home to some one who has a Sprint number and temporarily port a number into it to unlock it for international use.

We had four lines with Sprint and were very happy with them while home in the USA. I would think they would have done better by us as we will be returning and need a provider again.

Question: Is Chronic or a service like Chronic our only option as we are overseas? Why in the World would Sprint give us this MSL code when I prefaced my call that I was calling from Australia.

If this MSL code can be used here.. any thoughts on how it is used?

Thank you!

 

[eyoungren]

Called Sprint this week regarding the new legislation. Appeared that they were finally assisting us and was provided an MSL code for the Iphone and instructed to take it to a local provider. Local provider had no idea what to do with this code.

Called Sprint again was advised that the MSL code was only for a domestic unlock of the SIM slot and was further advised that this phone could not be unlocked for international use as it isn't on US soil. Asked couldn't they just shoot through a message to Apple regarding the IMEI. Told: No it didn't work that way. Was advised also by Sprint to send the Iphone home to some one who has a Sprint number and temporarily port a number into it to unlock it for international use.

I think there is some confustion here on the part of both parties so I will try to clear it up as best I can.

First, MSL (Master Subsidy Lock). The MSL, quite simply is the code that allows you to reprogram the phone. Now, I've heard this mentioned a few times on the Sprint BAW forums and after looking around tonight my hazy memory kicked in. Way back when I had an HTC Touch Pro and there were several Windows Mobile apps that could get you the MSL very easily. It's still possible to do this on Android phones.

The MSL allows you to reprogram the CDMA side of your phone. This is easily done with WinMo and Android phones. You dial the number on your keypad to access the reprogramming part of the phone. It asks you for the MSL, you type it in and you have access to the reprogramming part of the phone. I've been in there a few times on my Touch Pro to rejigger the tower polling frequency.

So, how does this apply to an iPhone. I don't think it does. There's no "programming" part of the phone that any dialer key sequence would give you access to. And Sprint locks the CDMA part down. So, this is where the confusion on Sprint's part comes in. Sprint has only recently operated the iPhone and consequently their CSRs rarely seem to understand the concept of a SIM. How they generate a MSL for something you can't access to use it, IDK, but I think assumptions are being made that this is a standard kind of thing and so that includes the iPhone. Not the case.

So, your network in Australia would be right in saying that the code is useless to them because there is no way to apply it to an iPhone.

I may be off on being able to reprogram an iPhone, but even if I am, this is still what an MSL code is for.

As to why Sprint can't just speak to Apple about the unlock…well that isn't their policy. Their policy states that the phone has to be active on a current Sprint account for no less than 90 days before they will unlock. Since the phone service was deactivated, this is why they made the suggestion of getting someone else to activate it stateside.

Question: Is Chronic or a service like Chronic our only option as we are overseas?

That looks to be the case if you don't or can't send the phone home to be activated on a current Sprint account.

Why in the World would Sprint give us this MSL code when I prefaced my call that I was calling from Australia.

Because they are probably misunderstanding the whole concept. You are trying to unlock the GSM part. They gave you a code for the CDMA part. That's Sprint.

If this MSL code can be used here.. any thoughts on how it is used?

See my second paragraph.

 

[eyoungren]

Yeah! Sprint. MSL code. Equals fallacy.

For an iPhone, an “unlock code” (also known as an “MSL code”) is worthless. The MSL code cannot be used to unlock an iPhone. According to Apple’s website, the only way to unlock an iPhone is for the carrier of the device’s origin to send in a request to Apple to unlock the device, which results in a change in a database maintained by Apple.

Found here.

 

[eyoungren]

Yes I definitely see where you're coming from on that.

The truth is when we see a new and profitable Sprint it will look and feel COMPLETELY different. Nothing will be the same. And while the network has improved (at least for me). It could definitely be better. Do I think it will? Yes! Do I know it will take time? Yes. But also at this point u have so much invested in Sprint that it's hard to leave. I've thought about it numerous times, but everytine I decide to stay. Take yourself for example. You personally don't like the 6 or the 6 Plus, but love your iPhone 5 because it's comple black. You can't take that phone to any network besides Sprint so in order for you to leave you have to get rid of the phone you love and get something different that you may not like as much. None of these newer iPhones come in black...

Here's an example of what we have been discussing.

Sprint Corp.'s recent layoffs of network staff may aim at making room for engineers from its Tokyo-based parent company.

So, the obvious take away here is that Sprint engineers could not cut it. As I've said somewhere else, this is the closest Sprint has come to admitting that that have f'ed up the entire Network Vision rollout.

Now, the thing is, they cut these Sprint enginners, BUT replace them with Softbank engineers. Sprint gets rid of the underperforming engineer and frees up money and in return gets a better engineer that is on the payroll of it's parent company. Sprint gets all the benefit of these guys but doesn't have to pay them a dime.

So, looking more like the new Sprint we won't recognize and less like the old we do recognize.

 

[Tthomas612]

Here's an example of what we have been discussing.



So, the obvious take away here is that Sprint engineers could not cut it. As I've said somewhere else, this is the closest Sprint has come to admitting that that have f'ed up the entire Network Vision rollout.

Now, the thing is, they cut these Sprint enginners, BUT replace them with Softbank engineers. Sprint gets rid of the underperforming engineer and frees up money and in return gets a better engineer that is on the payroll of it's parent company. Sprint gets all the benefit of these guys but doesn't have to pay them a dime.

So, looking more like the new Sprint we won't recognize and less like the old we do recognize.

All we need is good customer service and for al customers who have LTE to have good constant LTE .... that's really all I'm asking for. I'd like for them to do anything it takes in order for us to get that...

I can already see Im not leaving Sprint anytime soon. Just as I'll be keeping the iPhone 6 when the 6s comes around...

 

[eyoungren]

All we need is good customer service and for al customers who have LTE to have good constant LTE .... that's really all I'm asking for. I'd like for them to do anything it takes in order for us to get that...

I can already see Im not leaving Sprint anytime soon. Just as I'll be keeping the iPhone 6 when the 6s comes around...

I agree and if that had been the case for me I would not have begun laying my plans to leave.

Had any of this stuff with Claure started happening in August 2013 instead of August 2014 my intentions would be different. I'd have seen that as a positive step to fix Sprint. But no, Son had to give Hesse his "chance" I guess. IDK, I see change, but I'm just not going to stick around to be part of it.

I totally get where you are though and if you have good coverage and service as I've said all along, then stay with Sprint. If it works and you get a great price - why not?

 

[Tthomas612]

I agree and if that had been the case for me I would not have begun laying my plans to leave.

Had any of this stuff with Claure started happening in August 2013 instead of August 2014 my intentions would be different. I'd have seen that as a positive step to fix Sprint. But no, Son had to give Hesse his "chance" I guess. IDK, I see change, but I'm just not going to stick around to be part of it.

I totally get where you are though and if you have good coverage and service as I've said all along, then stay with Sprint. If it works and you get a great price - why not?

I understand where you're at as well, but my question to you is ... What phone are you gonna get? Lol...

 

[eyoungren]

I understand where you're at as well, but my question to you is ... What phone are you gonna get? Lol...

Well…

Plan A: Used 64GB T-Mobile iPhone 5s (plural) off eBay. Finding a white one for my wife should be easy, but a black one with iOS 6 for me might be tough.

Plan B: 128GB iPhone 6+s (or just the 6 for my wife if that's what she prefers). I heard a rumor that there was an anodization process for the iPhone 6 to make it solid black, but for the life of me I couldn't find it on here when asked by other users. I know I saw it and that it costs an additional $299. I'd have that done to my 6+.

Plan C: 64GB iPhone 5s'. Plan of last resort.

 

[Tthomas612]

Well…

Plan A: Used 64GB T-Mobile iPhone 5s (plural) off eBay. Finding a white one for my wife should be easy, but a black one with iOS 6 for me might be tough.

Plan B: 128GB iPhone 6+s (or just the 6 for my wife if that's what she prefers). I heard a rumor that there was an anodization process for the iPhone 6 to make it solid black, but for the life of me I couldn't find it on here when asked by other users. I know I saw it and that it costs an additional $299. I'd have that done to my 6+.

Plan C: 64GB iPhone 5s'. Plan of last resort.

Well I really want my iPhone 6 BLACK because the gray on IT IS GRAY!!! So if you find it or see a link or anything LMK. I'd love to make The whole thing black.

Idk the size of your wife's hands or whatever, but I do know mine thought she wanted the 6+ until she went on launch day and saw it and right then changed her mind quickly. Although I had my eyes on the6+ as well just in my line of work it was way too big for me.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Well I really want my iPhone 6 BLACK because the gray on IT IS GRAY!!! So if you find it or see a link or anything LMK. I'd love to make The whole thing black.

Idk the size of your wife's hands or whatever, but I do know mine thought she wanted the 6+ until she went on launch day and saw it and right then changed her mind quickly. Although I had my eyes on the6+ as well just in my line of work it was way too big for me.

There were leaked photos in July of a Slate iPhone 6 housing, though it was never used. I was meaning to add this, the new generation SIM that was released with the 5c and 5s DOES contain your phone number because it contains a CSIM application that allows CDMA subscriber information(phone number, PRL) to be loaded onto the SIM instead of the phone(Like Verizon). This allows for much greater flexibility within Sprint if you want to change phones and is also the reason why you can move some Sprint iPhones to Boost just by changing the SIM. Though this does not work with the iPhone 5 or any android device because the SIM for those phones does not contain a CSIM application, the CSIM runs on the actual phone itself, not the physical SIM. I'm not sure if Sprint is planning on letting up on their domestic unlock policy any time before 2015 though, considering their parent company SoftBank doesn't offer unlocking at all period. Also to back you guys up, the MSL code is completely useless for an iPhone, it is only used to reprogram the CDMA radio to another carrier(I've got experience flashing phones). It does NOT unlock GSM use on the phone AT ALL.

----------

Hello,

Thank you so much for a wealth of information. I scrolled through this thread and there was more here than ever provided by Sprint. As mentioned I read through the thread and have a question. Please forgive me if you have answered it.

We are currently international. (In Australia) Previous Sprint clients in good standing. Brought an Iphone 5 and an HTC One with us from the Sprint Network. Did not unlock SIM on either before leaving the USA. Paid Sprint out or both phones closed down the account. HTC was unlocked before we actually closed down the account but this was done when we were already in Australia.

After arrival into Australia. (Not Smart Move) Contacted Sprint to unlock the phones. Not a problem with the HTC, but we have been here for one year now and the Iphone 5 is a glorified Ipod here.

Called Sprint this week regarding the new legislation. Appeared that they were finally assisting us and was provided an MSL code for the Iphone and instructed to take it to a local provider. Local provider had no idea what to do with this code.

Called Sprint again was advised that the MSL code was only for a domestic unlock of the SIM slot and was further advised that this phone could not be unlocked for international use as it isn't on US soil. Asked couldn't they just shoot through a message to Apple regarding the IMEI. Told: No it didn't work that way. Was advised also by Sprint to send the Iphone home to some one who has a Sprint number and temporarily port a number into it to unlock it for international use.

We had four lines with Sprint and were very happy with them while home in the USA. I would think they would have done better by us as we will be returning and need a provider again.

Question: Is Chronic or a service like Chronic our only option as we are overseas? Why in the World would Sprint give us this MSL code when I prefaced my call that I was calling from Australia.

If this MSL code can be used here.. any thoughts on how it is used?

Thank you!

I believe Sprint will only unlock for international use if your phone is active on an account. You may not have to satisfy the 90 day service requirement to unlock it though, I didn't and I'm a relatively new customer to Sprint. The MSL code is really only useful for some CDMA android phones to flash them to another carrier, the MSL code won't do anything when it comes to GSM unlocking, Apple doesn't use a MSL anyway so it's completely useless.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Just so you know eyoungren, Sprint will negate the 90 day activation policy if you answer 3 questions about your credit report correctly. I've been a Sprint customer for less than a month and already have my phone unlocked for international use.

 

[eyoungren]

Just so you know eyoungren, Sprint will negate the 90 day activation policy if you answer 3 questions about your credit report correctly. I've been a Sprint customer for less than a month and already have my phone unlocked for international use.

Interesting!

Thanks for that. Should be helpful to others here looking for an international unlock!

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Interesting!

Thanks for that. Should be helpful to others here looking for an international unlock!

Don't worry about it, it also appears that Sprint iPhones are programmed to ignore U.S roaming completely. I inserted an au by KDDI SIM card into my Verizon iPhone 5s and it immediately started roaming on Verizon, but when I put it in my Sprint iPhone 6, it accepted the SIM but it would not pick up any service. Though it could just be that it's roaming through CDMA which we all know isn't that reliable anyway

 

[terraphantm]

Don't worry about it, it also appears that Sprint iPhones are programmed to ignore U.S roaming completely. I inserted an au by KDDI SIM card into my Verizon iPhone 5s and it immediately started roaming on Verizon, but when I put it in my Sprint iPhone 6, it accepted the SIM but it would not pick up any service. Though it could just be that it's roaming through CDMA which we all know isn't that reliable anyway

Could be that they only unlock the gsm part

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Could be that they only unlock the gsm part

Completely wrong. Internationally unlocked iPhones can access CDMA networks as long as the CDMA provider uses a R-UIM.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Removable_User_Identity_Module

 

[terraphantm]

Completely wrong. Internationally unlocked iPhones can access CDMA networks as long as the CDMA provider uses a R-UIM.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Removable_User_Identity_Module

Have you personally tested this on an internationally unlocked sprint iPhone 6/6+?

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Have you personally tested this on an internationally unlocked sprint iPhone 6/6+?

Isn't that what I just said? If the CDMA side of the phone is locked it would throw an invalid SIM error. It accepts the CDMA SIM card but the phone is prohibited from accessing U.S networks and thus will not allow it to roam on a US network and will thus display No Service.

 

[terraphantm]

Isn't that what I just said? If the CDMA side of the phone is locked it would throw an invalid SIM error. It accepts the CDMA SIM card but the phone is prohibited from accessing U.S networks and thus will not allow it to roam on a US network and will thus display No Service.
Image

They sign onto ATT and T-mobile just fine when using foreign GSM sims. So there appears to be something going on with the CDMA side. Unless you have actually tested your phone with a CDMA carrier abroad, we cannot conclusively say it will work.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

They sign onto ATT and T-mobile just fine when using foreign GSM sims. So there appears to be something going on with the CDMA side. Unless you have actually tested your phone with a CDMA carrier abroad, we cannot conclusively say it will work.

There have been cases of the Sprint iPhone 5/5s/5c working on China Telecom which is a CDMA network in China. The Verizon 5s also starts roaming on Verizon when my au/KDDI UIM card is inserted which means that the Sprint phone has blacklisted U.S. networks. The Sprint 6/6+ model number A1586/A1524 is the unlocked model sold in Japan as well as the KDDI unlocked model. If it works on the Verizon one it will work on the Sprint one as long as it's a carrier that's outside of the U.S. I believe only the 4s could roam on US GSM networks, I have never seen a Sprint iPhone that wasn't a 4s roaming on a GSM network inside of the U.S. If you own a Sprint 6/6+ that's internationally unlocked, insert an active foreign SIM and see if it starts roaming inside the U.S. If Sprint didn't want the phone operating on other CDMA carriers, they would have had international CDMA networks like KDDI and China Telecom blacklisted from the activation policy and attempting to use a activation policy blacklisted SIM would result in a SIM error. I know what I'm talking about, I've spent several years dealing with foreign phones in general and how they work on different networks.
http://imgur.com/N9QeUtd

 

[terraphantm]

There have been cases of the Sprint iPhone 5/5s/5c working on China Telecom which is a CDMA network in China. The Verizon 5s also starts roaming on Verizon when my au/KDDI UIM card is inserted which means that the Sprint phone has blacklisted U.S. networks. The Sprint 6/6+ model number A1586/A1524 is the unlocked model sold in Japan as well as the KDDI unlocked model. If it works on the Verizon one it will work on the Sprint one as long as it's a carrier that's outside of the U.S. I believe only the 4s could roam on US GSM networks, I have never seen a Sprint iPhone that wasn't a 4s roaming on a GSM network inside of the U.S. If you own a Sprint 6/6+ that's internationally unlocked, insert an active foreign SIM and see if it starts roaming inside the U.S. If Sprint didn't want the phone operating on other CDMA carriers, they would have had international CDMA networks like KDDI and China Telecom blacklisted from the activation policy and attempting to use a activation policy blacklisted SIM would result in a SIM error. I know what I'm talking about, I've spent several years dealing with foreign phones in general and how they work on different networks.
http://imgur.com/N9QeUtd

There are many reports on this forum (perhaps in this thread itself) that confirm the sprint 6 and 6 plus sign onto US GSM networks when using foreign sims. If the same doesn't happen for CDMA roaming, then there's something going on. The baseband processor itself could easily restrict it even if the activation policy doesn't. And for that matter, the only thing the activation policy checks is the IMSI of the SIM. It cannot be used to authenticate a network while disallowing domestic towers. So if the phone is authenticating the SIM but unable to connect to a network, then the issue is likely at a lower level

 

[gugu]

With all the questions about Sprint unlocking, I thought I would add this here.

October 21, 2014 - Customer reports. Several customers have noted that the Sprint iPhone 6 and 6+ purchased full price at Apple stores have automatically come unlocked for international use. Domestic use is still locked however. It is suggested that to retain the international unlock, either activate the phone on an international SIM before ever inserting a Sprint SIM or insert an international SIM that has already been activated - again before ever using or inserting a Sprint SIM. This information is anecdotal so if you wish an international unlock and can test before making a final decision I would suggest doing so.

Hi, eyoungren. I know that Sprint iPhone 6/6+ purchased full price at Apple stores is unlocked for international use. But is there any report of exception? eg. iPhone 6/6+ from Sprint store or contracted Sprint iPhone from Apple is unlocked for international use? Thx.

 

[eyoungren]

Hi, eyoungren. I know that Sprint iPhone 6/6+ purchased full price at Apple stores is unlocked for international use. But is there any report of exception? eg. iPhone 6/6+ from Sprint store or contracted Sprint iPhone from Apple is unlocked for international use? Thx.

I believe it works this way…

If you pay full price for the 6/6+ and you insert a Sprint SIM, then activate the phone, then the phone is completely locked.

But if you pay full price and insert an international SIM, then activate the phone on that international network, the phone is then unlocked internationally.

In other words, the phone comes international unlocked unless you activate on the Sprint network at which point it locks (internationally).

The phone of course remains completely locked domestically, irrespective of the status of the international part of the phone.

That is what I am hearing here in the threads I've read on it.

 

[gugu]

I believe it works this way…

If you pay full price for the 6/6+ and you insert a Sprint SIM, then activate the phone, then the phone is completely locked.

But if you pay full price and insert an international SIM, then activate the phone on that international network, the phone is then unlocked internationally.

In other words, the phone comes international unlocked unless you activate on the Sprint network at which point it locks (internationally).

The phone of course remains completely locked domestically, irrespective of the status of the international part of the phone.

That is what I am hearing here in the threads I've read on it.

So where the phone was bought does not matters? When it is off-contract and activated with an international SIM, it will be international unlocked?

 

[eyoungren]

So where the phone was bought does not matters? When it is off-contract and activated with an international SIM, it will be international unlocked?

Sorry, I should have mentioned that. It seems to matter. None of the reports I have were from people purchasing at a Sprint store. The purchase was made at an Apple store.

I don't belive you can purchase outright at a Sprint store anyway.

 

[gugu]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that. It seems to matter. None of the reports I have were from people purchasing at a Sprint store. The purchase was made at an Apple store.

I don't belive you can purchase outright at a Sprint store anyway.

OK. I understand. Thank you!