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

Submitted by Edward Kirk on July 2, 2008 - 1:58pm.
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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]

Submitted by drdoctormd on July 2, 2008 - 3:49pm.
Is that out of line with anyone's expectations?

Submitted by Edward Kirk on July 2, 2008 - 3:56pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drdoctormd View Post
Is that out of line with anyone's expectations?
Probably not but better to clarify it now, and none too soon!

Submitted by xxx on July 2, 2008 - 9:29pm.
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!

Submitted by Humble Rat on July 3, 2008 - 6:39am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drdoctormd View Post
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.

Submitted by Kevin Dunahee on July 5, 2008 - 3:12pm.
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

Submitted by aCC (not verified) on August 14, 2008 - 9:05pm.
Will the phone be able to be used overseas with other sim providers if i have unlocked my iphone with AT&T?