T-Mobile's G1 now unlockable

(Credit: Android Community)

So let's say you want the fancy G1, the T-Mobile phone that runs Android, the Google OS, but you don't want to use it on T-Mobile. Let's say you wanted to use it on AT&T. We have good news for you.

The G1 has finally been unlocked. For $22.99, you can send in your IMEI number to unlock-tmobileg1.com, which then returns an unlock code for you to enter. Once done, you can use the much-talked-about smartphone on any GSM network.

It's pricier than most GSM unlocks, which usually go for between $10 and $15, but it's far easier and less risky than the unlock methods employed by iPhone owners.

[scythie]

You Americans confuse me. You unlock your iPhones to be "free" from AT&T. Now you unlock other phones to use AT&T? Whoa. Which network do you guys really want? Or you just really don't like being locked into using one network?

Sorry just had to let that out :D

[gulfportgeek]

Us Americans like to be able to have the latest in new technology. Unlike you nonAmericans our cellular carriers lock up phones to use with only each carriers networks. Our American phones are all carrier locked and if you have been paying attention for the past year and a few months the iPhone is carrier specific to AT&T. If you are a T-Mobile customer you can't enjoy the iPhone unless you unlock it. If you are a Verizon, Sprint, or Alltel customer you are S.O.L. because you are on the CDMA network which the iPhone won't work on. Now T-Mobile launched the G-1 and if you are an AT&T customer who wants it the only way you can have it is to buy an unlocked version, especially if you are under contract. Much like the iPhone, if you are a Verizon, Sprint, or Alltel customer you can't use the G-1 for the exact same reason. It isn't the carrier it is the phone. It is a pain in the neck to switch carriers every few months because of technology.

[schnitzenbotak]

In regards to scythie's comment - It's true... people tend to want to flee from AT&T... BUT for international use, if everyone you talk to already has AT&T so most your calling is unlimited on the network, or if you're already on a 2 year contract and just NEED a G1 then an unlock might be the best way to go.

[conceptedge]

http://www.unlockcellphone.com was able to unlock the T-Mobile G1 Android phone as early as October 22. It's also not a fly by night operation. Your news came a bit late.

[realizePhiladelphia]

I agree with Scythie, it's real stupid to buy and unlock all these phones. I don't know how the purchase process with the G1 is but I do know that with the iPhone you damn there have to get a contract. And that oesn't make sense to sign up for that contract and then unlock the phone just to use it on T-Mobile. I mean i don't know. Check out the article I wrote on both phones at http://web.illish.us.

[gulfportgeek]

You don't have to sign a contract to pay the no commitment price on any phone, including the iPhone. Apple Stores sell the iPhone without contracts and the G1 you can buy straight out at any T-Mobile store. It is just expensive either way you go.

[ldtiry]

Actually with the Apple Iphone 3g they were requiring a contract with purchase to limit the case of people buying the phones simply to unlock them. They learned from the original Iphone. And it makes perfect home to buy a phone and unlock it. Many carriers only carry certain phones and if you can get a phone from another carrier (AT&T) and use it on your network (T-Mobile), it makes your options much greater. It's not about the certain network, it's more of which network you currently have a contract on, and which phone you want to use on that network. None of these phones work on Spring ( my network) because of the network type, but I'm ok with that cause I have the HTC Touch and love it.

[marisagg]

Hi, I have a g1 phone and i want to use it but my service provider is sprint is there any way i can use it because my sprint phone doesnt have a sim card??? Help???