Unlocking mobile phones.
Thread Starter
Cool Mod
Joined: Apr 1998
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
From: 18nm N of LGW
Unlocking mobile phones.
I recently got what turned to be a most satisfactory deal on acquiring by auction a Blackberry 8120 phone on Ebay. It is new all but about 6 weeks but everything came boxed except that it wasn't unlocked from Orange - I didn't want them.
I looked the internet - found one of MANY - paid by PayPal the vast sum of £4.99 - only to be told HOW to go about finding others who would do it! Demanded money back and it was returned same day.
Tried another (UNLOCKINGONLINE.COM) - their blurb was very convincing on a very good website - the code came through having paid £9.99 - and up to the middle point of the instructions it was fine then it just stopped. All contact with this company was lost - failed. PayPal have faired no better and I am in the resolution channel with PP but I am not holding my breath.
The point of this is a warning? Most of these unlocking deals are scams. One of the most simple it would seem and apparently very lucrative. My advice is not to be tempted.
I took my phone to a high street guy near my home and got it done in 30 minutes - for a price of £6 and I am well pleased.
PPP
I looked the internet - found one of MANY - paid by PayPal the vast sum of £4.99 - only to be told HOW to go about finding others who would do it! Demanded money back and it was returned same day.
Tried another (UNLOCKINGONLINE.COM) - their blurb was very convincing on a very good website - the code came through having paid £9.99 - and up to the middle point of the instructions it was fine then it just stopped. All contact with this company was lost - failed. PayPal have faired no better and I am in the resolution channel with PP but I am not holding my breath.
The point of this is a warning? Most of these unlocking deals are scams. One of the most simple it would seem and apparently very lucrative. My advice is not to be tempted.
I took my phone to a high street guy near my home and got it done in 30 minutes - for a price of £6 and I am well pleased.
PPP
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
It depends on the phone; some models can be unlocked by tapping in a simple code on their keypad but others require the phone to be connected to a computer so that firmware/software can be altered.
However it is a useful warning that there are some unscrupulous individuals who charge money to tell you the methods available to unlock, rather than providing the instructions, in exchange for your money.
Incidentally, in the UK it is perfectly legal to get a phone unlocked. What is NOT legal is to get a blocked phone working again
However it is a useful warning that there are some unscrupulous individuals who charge money to tell you the methods available to unlock, rather than providing the instructions, in exchange for your money.
Incidentally, in the UK it is perfectly legal to get a phone unlocked. What is NOT legal is to get a blocked phone working again
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: LONDON
No sympathy here - we pay the high prices on mobile tariffs so that the networks can recover the cost of the units.
No such thing as a free lunch - your shafting the networks and its subscribers yet moaning when someone shafts you lol - karma - what goes around comes around.
No such thing as a free lunch - your shafting the networks and its subscribers yet moaning when someone shafts you lol - karma - what goes around comes around.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: U.K.
No Jofm5 - I don' agree. If you pay monthly you get a free/subsidised handset and are locked into your contract for 12 or 18 months. At the end you are free to terminate having paid for the handset which you are allowed to keep free, gratis and for nothing. Of course the network concerned hopes that you will stay with the contract and swell their profit, but the savvy mobo user either renegotiates his deal with the same service provider or swops to a new deal of some kind - with a new handset. The old one has thus been paid for and if sold on then why should the new owner be forced to use the same service provider?
P.P.
P.P.
Psychophysiological entity
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,383
Likes: 169
From: Walton on the Naze Essex.
For a veritety of reasons, I have a feeling that I'll soon be needing to unlock my M-R Cliq XT.
As an aside, I'd like to use it in the UK as well. I don't know if I'll be able to. Quad band and both T-Mobile, but at home I'm on P-A-Y-Go
As a late model, it hasn't got much out there to do the job. One shop mentioned 25, all the way up to 75 bucks. But didn't have the ability to do mine yet.
UNLOCKING MAY VOID WARRANTY.
As an aside, I'd like to use it in the UK as well. I don't know if I'll be able to. Quad band and both T-Mobile, but at home I'm on P-A-Y-Go
As a late model, it hasn't got much out there to do the job. One shop mentioned 25, all the way up to 75 bucks. But didn't have the ability to do mine yet.
UNLOCKING MAY VOID WARRANTY.
Thread Starter
Cool Mod
Joined: Apr 1998
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
From: 18nm N of LGW
Jofm5
I wasn't looking for sympathy. Far from it in fact. I was actually trying to warn people of the scams that exist. Indeed, you have reminded that the network suppliers has its scammers by charging some really outrageous tariffs so they are not entirely blameless. Mine is a new phone and it was tied to Orange. It is my choice, and yours and anybody else who wishes to change, by unlocking it and continuing to use Virgin. It took just 30 minutes and I didn't have to have a PAC number - just my sim card and a few deft changes and it was done.
And, btw, the networks have been shafting EVERYONE one way and another for years. Why should you complain that its payback time - if only for a small fee? Ofcom anyway are on their case and things will change for OUR benefit and about time too.
I wasn't looking for sympathy. Far from it in fact. I was actually trying to warn people of the scams that exist. Indeed, you have reminded that the network suppliers has its scammers by charging some really outrageous tariffs so they are not entirely blameless. Mine is a new phone and it was tied to Orange. It is my choice, and yours and anybody else who wishes to change, by unlocking it and continuing to use Virgin. It took just 30 minutes and I didn't have to have a PAC number - just my sim card and a few deft changes and it was done.
And, btw, the networks have been shafting EVERYONE one way and another for years. Why should you complain that its payback time - if only for a small fee? Ofcom anyway are on their case and things will change for OUR benefit and about time too.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: LONDON
PPrune Pop,
You wont need a PAC code unless you want to port your number to a different network - at that point the PAC is used to verify that the customer has consented to the move - i.e. you quote that as authorisation for the move.
I dont for a second think you were looking for sympathy and yes the mobile tariffs are under review with ofcom. However whilst the locking of phones may seem to annoy people it is only ever done to protect the return of investment of the mobile provider.
A simple way to look at this is had you gone to a store and bought an unlocked blackberry then you would have paid the full market value which I would imagine is considerably more than what you were willing to pay.
It all has to get paid for somewhere - so the person who got the free upgrade and sold the phone on to you has a few quid in their pocket now and you now have a new phone - that phone still has to be paid for and the only reliable way will be via the tariffs.
If and when ofcom etc say that the tariffs are too expensive and legislate it down then you can kiss the opportunity to get a "free" phone goodbye and everyone will have to purchase the hardware.
I do appreciate that you were trying to warn others off from a scam - but my point is more that if you to play the game and try get something for nothing dont be surprised if those people your playing with are doing the same.
You wont need a PAC code unless you want to port your number to a different network - at that point the PAC is used to verify that the customer has consented to the move - i.e. you quote that as authorisation for the move.
I dont for a second think you were looking for sympathy and yes the mobile tariffs are under review with ofcom. However whilst the locking of phones may seem to annoy people it is only ever done to protect the return of investment of the mobile provider.
A simple way to look at this is had you gone to a store and bought an unlocked blackberry then you would have paid the full market value which I would imagine is considerably more than what you were willing to pay.
It all has to get paid for somewhere - so the person who got the free upgrade and sold the phone on to you has a few quid in their pocket now and you now have a new phone - that phone still has to be paid for and the only reliable way will be via the tariffs.
If and when ofcom etc say that the tariffs are too expensive and legislate it down then you can kiss the opportunity to get a "free" phone goodbye and everyone will have to purchase the hardware.
I do appreciate that you were trying to warn others off from a scam - but my point is more that if you to play the game and try get something for nothing dont be surprised if those people your playing with are doing the same.
Psychophysiological entity
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,383
Likes: 169
From: Walton on the Naze Essex.
It's like super-bike exhaust pipes and printer ink.
If only B
y makers and providers would stop trying to hide the real
costs, it would all be totally unnecessary.
If only B
y makers and providers would stop trying to hide the real costs, it would all be totally unnecessary.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Tracey Island
PPrune Pop,
You wont need a PAC code unless you want to port your number to a different network - at that point the PAC is used to verify that the customer has consented to the move - i.e. you quote that as authorisation for the move.
I dont for a second think you were looking for sympathy and yes the mobile tariffs are under review with ofcom. However whilst the locking of phones may seem to annoy people it is only ever done to protect the return of investment of the mobile provider.
A simple way to look at this is had you gone to a store and bought an unlocked blackberry then you would have paid the full market value which I would imagine is considerably more than what you were willing to pay.
It all has to get paid for somewhere - so the person who got the free upgrade and sold the phone on to you has a few quid in their pocket now and you now have a new phone - that phone still has to be paid for and the only reliable way will be via the tariffs.
If and when ofcom etc say that the tariffs are too expensive and legislate it down then you can kiss the opportunity to get a "free" phone goodbye and everyone will have to purchase the hardware.
I do appreciate that you were trying to warn others off from a scam - but my point is more that if you to play the game and try get something for nothing dont be surprised if those people your playing with are doing the same.
You wont need a PAC code unless you want to port your number to a different network - at that point the PAC is used to verify that the customer has consented to the move - i.e. you quote that as authorisation for the move.
I dont for a second think you were looking for sympathy and yes the mobile tariffs are under review with ofcom. However whilst the locking of phones may seem to annoy people it is only ever done to protect the return of investment of the mobile provider.
A simple way to look at this is had you gone to a store and bought an unlocked blackberry then you would have paid the full market value which I would imagine is considerably more than what you were willing to pay.
It all has to get paid for somewhere - so the person who got the free upgrade and sold the phone on to you has a few quid in their pocket now and you now have a new phone - that phone still has to be paid for and the only reliable way will be via the tariffs.
If and when ofcom etc say that the tariffs are too expensive and legislate it down then you can kiss the opportunity to get a "free" phone goodbye and everyone will have to purchase the hardware.
I do appreciate that you were trying to warn others off from a scam - but my point is more that if you to play the game and try get something for nothing dont be surprised if those people your playing with are doing the same.
He paid the 'market price' for the phone in an online auction which is a legitamate way to buy one. I think he said it was a 'Satisfactory deal', no mention of the exact price.
He even paid for the programme to unlock it.........Hardly getting or even trying to get something for nothing....If the person who sold it had got an upgrade and passed it on. They would still be paying their contract. Upgrade is a method of keeping you as a customer...Along with it comes a new contract!! They don't give you one and then let you leave..
I've sold phones from an upgrade as I was happy with the phone I had. The company didn't care as long as I was paying the contract. Now the choice is to keep the phone and get a sim only deal, go PAYG or have an upgrade and keep the contract.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: LONDON
I fail to see your point call100 ???
So you have just basically re-said what I did about how handsets are financed.
So yes of course the provider will be tying you into a contract of xxx for yyy.
And is it wrong for the provider to tie the phone down - no its not. The point you most eloquently missed is the fact the handset needs to be paid for - if you think its going to be done by contract value then I am afraid your wrong.
Your network whichever your on needs to recoup the loss of providing you the device you use or indeed sold on. Our tarrifs reflect this and its why ppl say mobile calls are a rip off.
congrats on your example - your just another that has kept our tarrifs high
So you have just basically re-said what I did about how handsets are financed.
So yes of course the provider will be tying you into a contract of xxx for yyy.
And is it wrong for the provider to tie the phone down - no its not. The point you most eloquently missed is the fact the handset needs to be paid for - if you think its going to be done by contract value then I am afraid your wrong.
Your network whichever your on needs to recoup the loss of providing you the device you use or indeed sold on. Our tarrifs reflect this and its why ppl say mobile calls are a rip off.
congrats on your example - your just another that has kept our tarrifs high
Psychophysiological entity
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,383
Likes: 169
From: Walton on the Naze Essex.
A bit of drift if you don't mind.
My deal with the family (2o or so phones) may or may not come to a sudden end soon. Since my data is not added to the SIM will the stuff I'm putting in* be lost at end of contract or is it stored in the phone and at base?
My deal with the family (2o or so phones) may or may not come to a sudden end soon. Since my data is not added to the SIM will the stuff I'm putting in* be lost at end of contract or is it stored in the phone and at base?
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Tracey Island
I fail to see your point call100 ???
So you have just basically re-said what I did about how handsets are financed.
So yes of course the provider will be tying you into a contract of xxx for yyy.
And is it wrong for the provider to tie the phone down - no its not. The point you most eloquently missed is the fact the handset needs to be paid for - if you think its going to be done by contract value then I am afraid your wrong.
Your network whichever your on needs to recoup the loss of providing you the device you use or indeed sold on. Our tarrifs reflect this and its why ppl say mobile calls are a rip off.
congrats on your example - your just another that has kept our tarrifs high
So you have just basically re-said what I did about how handsets are financed.
So yes of course the provider will be tying you into a contract of xxx for yyy.
And is it wrong for the provider to tie the phone down - no its not. The point you most eloquently missed is the fact the handset needs to be paid for - if you think its going to be done by contract value then I am afraid your wrong.
Your network whichever your on needs to recoup the loss of providing you the device you use or indeed sold on. Our tarrifs reflect this and its why ppl say mobile calls are a rip off.
congrats on your example - your just another that has kept our tarrifs high
You seem to be lost in this.......If you sell it on you still pay for it!!!!!!!!
If I get a phone on contract, then do whatever I like with it, I still pay the monthly payment for the length of the contract. The phone company gets the full payment.
How do I keep tariffs high? I have a contract that has been running for a few years now. I have paid for all my phones. The provider phones me up and offers me another phone toward the end of the contract. If I accept I sign up for another contract......Phone paid for whatever I do with it. If you stopped making assumptions and did a bit of thinking you might get the idea.
The tariffs are high at the moment because of the 'Cross network termination charge' rip off, not the cost of handsets. The lowering of tariffs will make the competition greater and the deals will get better to entice you to stay or move to other providers. The raising of handset prices and the end to offers for contracts was a scare tactic by the phone companies. They said the same in 2007 when roaming charges were cut...Prices actually went down...
Last edited by call100; 25th April 2010 at 12:19.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Tracey Island
