Reminder: AT&T's Contract-Free iPhone 3G Will Not Be "Unlocked"

Edward Kirk · July 2nd, 2008, 03:58 PM

For those of you in the U.S. planning on holding out for that contract-free iPhone 3G that AT&T was planning on offering for $599/$699, there is something you should keep in mind. While the device will be offered to you unsubsidized and without the need to sign on to a binding contract, it will not be unlocked. You will still have to wait for a third party unlocking solution.

An AT&T representative has confirmed it:

But both contract and contract-free phones will be "locked" to work only on AT&T's network, and the monthly service plans available will be the same, said AT&T spokesman Michael Coe.

Of course, the 3G iPhone won't run on T-Mobile's data network, so the only conceivable reason for unlocking it would be international travel (and the fact that it's kinda fun), but that's a pretty good reason in my opinion.

[Yahoo Finance via MacRumors]

drdoctormd · July 2nd, 2008, 05:49 PM #2

Is that out of line with anyone's expectations?

Edward Kirk · July 2nd, 2008, 05:56 PM #3

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdoctormd

Is that out of line with anyone's expectations?

Probably not but better to clarify it now, and none too soon!

xxx · July 2nd, 2008, 11:29 PM #4

Seriously, did anyone expect it to be unlocked?

Its like apple saying: "here is the inside to out phone, have fun! do what u want, take whatever carrier you want. Let people map this to see how to unlock them all"

Oh well!

Humble Rat · July 3rd, 2008, 08:39 AM #5

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdoctormd

Is that out of line with anyone's expectations?

Many people assumed that because of the extremely high price of the unsubsidized phone that it would be without the ties to AT&T. I suppose they were optimistic about AT&T, they were wrong.

Kevin Dunahee · July 5th, 2008, 05:12 PM #6

1) So AT&T's 3G is not the same as T-mobile's 3G. I'm oblivious to cell network technology so hopefully somebody can clear that up.

2) WTF would AT&T even offer this? It's so bizarre. Would are they expecting customers to buy that for if it isn't unlocked. Pay $700 and just sign up for AT&T eventually? Right. What is their intention for offering this?

The world doesn't make sense.

**Overseas** - August 14th, 2008, 11:05 PM #7

Will the phone be able to be used overseas with other sim providers if i have unlocked my iphone with AT&T?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Edward Kirk WrAdminterizer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 3,084 Thanks: 19 Thanked 26 Times in 25 Posts	Reminder: AT&T's Contract-Free iPhone 3G Will Not Be "Unlocked" - July 2nd, 2008, 03:58 PM #1
	<script language="JavaScript" src="http://adserver1.backbeatmedia.com/servlet/ajrotator/13894/222/viewJScript?pool=13886&type=3158&pos=20&zone=5000"></script> For those of you in the U.S. planning on holding out for that contract-free iPhone 3G that AT&T was planning on offering for $599/$699, there is something you should keep in mind. While the device will be offered to you unsubsidized and without the need to sign on to a binding contract, it will not be unlocked. You will still have to wait for a third party unlocking solution. An AT&T representative has confirmed it: But both contract and contract-free phones will be "locked" to work only on AT&T's network, and the monthly service plans available will be the same, said AT&T spokesman Michael Coe. Of course, the 3G iPhone won't run on T-Mobile's data network, so the only conceivable reason for unlocking it would be international travel (and the fact that it's kinda fun), but that's a pretty good reason in my opinion. [Yahoo Finance via MacRumors] __________________ About my iPhone: iPhone & Color: iPhone 3G 16GB White iPhone Version: 3.0 Computer & OS: MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X 10.5.4 Twitter

drdoctormd iPA Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 58 Thanks: 16 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	July 2nd, 2008, 05:49 PM #2
	Is that out of line with anyone's expectations? __________________ About my iPhone: iPhone & Color: Original iPhone iPhone Version: 1.1.4 Hacks: Jailbroken, Unlocked, Activated, pimped out like a white-trash Subaru Computer & OS: iMac 20", MBP 15", Leopard 10.5.whatever drdoctormd is not taking criticism presently. Thank you for your compliance.

xxx Rocks the Board Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North East Posts: 352 Thanks: 2 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	July 2nd, 2008, 11:29 PM #4
	Seriously, did anyone expect it to be unlocked? Its like apple saying: "here is the inside to out phone, have fun! do what u want, take whatever carrier you want. Let people map this to see how to unlock them all" Oh well!

Kevin Dunahee iPhone 3G Winner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Metropolis Posts: 507 Thanks: 6 Thanked 19 Times in 18 Posts	July 5th, 2008, 05:12 PM #6
	1) So AT&T's 3G is not the same as T-mobile's 3G. I'm oblivious to cell network technology so hopefully somebody can clear that up. 2) WTF would AT&T even offer this? It's so bizarre. Would are they expecting customers to buy that for if it isn't unlocked. Pay $700 and just sign up for AT&T eventually? Right. What is their intention for offering this? The world doesn't make sense.

aCC Guest Posts: n/a	Overseas - August 14th, 2008, 11:05 PM #7
aCC Guest Posts: n/a	Will the phone be able to be used overseas with other sim providers if i have unlocked my iphone with AT&T?