Unlocking an iPhone for real
Free your iPhone
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)One of the biggest gripes we've heard about Apple's iPhone has nothing to do with the headset itself; rather it's over the AT&T carrier exclusivity. While phone locking (and unlocking for that matter) is nothing new in the cell phone world, the iPhone is a special case considering how much hype still surrounds it.
That's why it was inevitable that someone would figure out how to unlock the iPhone and free it from its AT&T shackles. Though we've heard a lot of promises, mostly unfulfilled, a real, workable solution now seems to be a reality. A group calling themselves iPhoneSIMfree is touting a solution that Engadget has verified as legitimate. The tech blog site was able to unlock an iPhone and make calls with T-Mobile service. Moreover, all features except the visual voice mail, which is dependent on AT&T's network, were usable. Apparently the process is quick and painless and not nearly as complicated as the labor-intensive solution from a New Jersey teen that requires soldering.
Now before you get too excited, the group is not putting licenses to the solution up for sale until next week. And according to its Web site, they'll only consider purchase inquiries of 500 or more licenses. But even more importantly, we have no word on a price.
Kent German is a senior editor for cell phone reviews at CNET. When he's not testing the newest handsets on the market, he's blogging about cell phone news for Crave. In his On Call column, he answers reader questions and gives his take on the rapidly changing mobile industry. E-mail Kent. 
Almost 4PM here on the east coast.....
Almost 4PM here on the east coast.....
Almost 4PM here on the east coast.....
put an iphone on T-Mobile their data sucks worse than EDGE. Find a way to get
3G! Now thats a hack people would want.
put an iphone on T-Mobile their data sucks worse than EDGE. Find a way to get
3G! Now thats a hack people would want.
put an iphone on T-Mobile their data sucks worse than EDGE. Find a way to get
3G! Now thats a hack people would want.
discovered? I would think not... but I'm no lawyer.
Also, Does unlocking void the iPhone warranty?
Just curious. I can't say T-Mobile is that much better than AT&T, but if AT&T
becomes irritating it would be nice to have options.
discovered? I would think not... but I'm no lawyer.
Also, Does unlocking void the iPhone warranty?
Just curious. I can't say T-Mobile is that much better than AT&T, but if AT&T
becomes irritating it would be nice to have options.
discovered? I would think not... but I'm no lawyer.
Also, Does unlocking void the iPhone warranty?
Just curious. I can't say T-Mobile is that much better than AT&T, but if AT&T
becomes irritating it would be nice to have options.
switched to AT&T and they use the same network eventhough they are two
different companies. CINGULAR customers used to have to call T-MOBILE to
request sim unlock codes for overseas travel. They even use the same slow
edge internet technology, whitch is the main reason for purchasin the
IPHONE. If you scroll through the network settings on most AT&T or T-
MOBILE pone you can switch between AT&T's or T-MOBILE's network
withougt swtictching providers and you won't be charged unless your are out
of your service area. A real chalenge would be to use the IPHONE on VERISON
or SPRINT service or any local provider whos internet is fast than AT&T.
switched to AT&T and they use the same network eventhough they are two
different companies. CINGULAR customers used to have to call T-MOBILE to
request sim unlock codes for overseas travel. They even use the same slow
edge internet technology, whitch is the main reason for purchasin the
IPHONE. If you scroll through the network settings on most AT&T or T-
MOBILE pone you can switch between AT&T's or T-MOBILE's network
withougt swtictching providers and you won't be charged unless your are out
of your service area. A real chalenge would be to use the IPHONE on VERISON
or SPRINT service or any local provider whos internet is fast than AT&T.
switched to AT&T and they use the same network eventhough they are two
different companies. CINGULAR customers used to have to call T-MOBILE to
request sim unlock codes for overseas travel. They even use the same slow
edge internet technology, whitch is the main reason for purchasin the
IPHONE. If you scroll through the network settings on most AT&T or T-
MOBILE pone you can switch between AT&T's or T-MOBILE's network
withougt swtictching providers and you won't be charged unless your are out
of your service area. A real chalenge would be to use the IPHONE on VERISON
or SPRINT service or any local provider whos internet is fast than AT&T.