T-Mobile agent tells customer to unlock iPhone

News Type: Event — Seeded on Thu Apr 3, 2008 5:42 PM EDT

Article Source: The New York Times

Much to my surprise, the T-Mobile rep said that I could keep my iPhone and still use T-Mobile service. I said, "Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?"

She most certainly was! She said I could hack the iPhone and continue to use their service.

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Andy Min's Column, All of Newsvine
Groups: GeekVine
Regions: New York

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0.4

{"commentId":1652821,"authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

Andy Min

Obviously, they are denying everything. I wonder if they secretly are instructing them though.

{"commentId":1652821,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

4 votes

#1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 5:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1652843,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Funny as I was in T-Mobile yesterday and asking about the same thing and they said "No problem" and that people do it all the time and even the agents boyfriend had a iPhone, on T-Mobile....

Would make sense since T-Mobile is based here also...

{"commentId":1652843,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

4 votes

#2 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 5:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":1652868,"authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

Andy Min

Wow, so it isn't an isolated occurrence? Interesting.

{"commentId":1652868,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

4 votes

#2.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 5:57 PM EDT

{"commentId":1652942,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Not from what I saw at T-Mobile and not from what the Apple Store guys told me today. It was funny, I went to pick up a Time Capsule and there were about 7 German guys in there, every one of them stocking up on iPhones and iTouch's, One guy bought 5 iPhones ! I thanked him for helping the Seattle economy, he thanked the US and Apple for helping his wallet get fat :-)

The only thing I was told as far as T-Mobile and iPhone is that the "Favorite-5" plan will not display correctly on the phone as the software is not on the iPhone and from Apple's side the AppleCare only works via AT&T. Other then that...Do what you want. As far as updates do (software and firmware) I am not sure if those are via the phone or downloaded via iTunes ?

{"commentId":1652942,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

4 votes

#2.2 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 6:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653422,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

Dr Juice

Updates come via iTunes. If one bricks your T-Mobile iPhone, Apple definitely won't help you, and I suspect T-Mobile won't either.

{"commentId":1653422,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

4 votes

#2.3 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653496,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

No, and they (T-Mobile) tell you they have no resources for Apple support.

{"commentId":1653496,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

2 votes

#2.4 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653272,"authorDomain":"nikwax"}

nikwax

TMobile is known for their "run any phone you like on our network." Lots of people I work with have iPhones on the TMobile network, and TMobile knows about it.

{"commentId":1653272,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"nikwax"}

3 votes

#3 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 7:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653315,"authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

Andy Min

Knowing about it is one thing. But having your salesman TELL YOU to unlock? I just found that really crazy.

{"commentId":1653315,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"onlineapps"}

4 votes

#3.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 8:17 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653492,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

In the cell phone business the people that make the phone usually sell them at or below cost (look what happened to Ericcson USA and Motorola..) and the people that make the money are the service providers, like T-Mobile. So they love the iPhone as they are so easy to use, have the best browser on the market and download the most music and opps....rack up the most airtime also.....

{"commentId":1653492,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

2 votes

#3.2 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:40 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653561,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

Dr Juice

What are T-Mobile's data packages like?

{"commentId":1653561,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

2 votes

#3.3 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 10:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653605,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Its a little pricey as that is not there strong point, but $39 for full access if you are using a PC or Internet Device (Includes Card if needed)

For a limited Internet access on a Browser type phone $9.95/mo or $19/mo full access. "Hot Spots" are free. (Used to be Starbucks) but all Borders Books, Couple of the major Hotels. Opps just found the list... Starbucks is on its way out.

T-Mobile HotSpot U.S. locations include Starbucks coffeehouses, Borders Books and Music stores, FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Red Roof Inns, Sofitel and Novotel Hotels, the airline clubs of American, Delta, United and US Airways, and select airports.

{"commentId":1653605,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

2 votes

#3.4 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 10:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653708,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

Dr Juice

$19 a month for full-access (unlimited, I'm guessing?) is right on par with what current AT&T subscribers would pay to move to the iPhone. They do have AT&T beat on the public Wi-Fi hotspot thing, though. Starbucks is switching over to AT&T, though I haven't heard whether or not that will mean AT&T subscribers could use Starbucks for free. I live in Cleveland, so our Starbucks are probably the last to get any of this stuff anyway.

Speaking of, does anyone have the buy-the-song-that's-playing-at-Starbucks app that was promised when the Touch was released?

{"commentId":1653708,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

2 votes

#3.5 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 11:03 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653745,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

That $19.95 is unlimited.

The free iTunes was a limited deal. You would either be at a Starbucks and log in to the Free Wifi via your Itouch and download one song, or take the gift card and download it via PC. But that was only a 3 month promotion. Starbucks will be running dual Networks, The T-Mobile HotSpots Contract does not expire until 2010.

I think, AT&T subscriber get Starbucks free, as I get them free as a T-Mobile user, so my guess is AT&T pulled the same deal.

{"commentId":1653745,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

1 vote

#3.6 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 11:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653424,"authorDomain":"ToneSmith"}

Tone "Theknowitall" Smith

i actually find her honesty refreshing. the real deal is, "we would rather you buy a phone from someone else and continue to pay us every month, than lose the sale of a phone and the monthly service"

i just joined t-mobile after at least 5 years with cingular/att..so far so good!

{"commentId":1653424,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"ToneSmith"}

2 votes

#4 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653426,"authorDomain":"ToneSmith"}

Tone "Theknowitall" Smith

its the law to unlock phones after a certain time period anyway for just such ideas as this, sooooo its not really them being unethical or anything.

{"commentId":1653426,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"ToneSmith"}

1 vote

#5 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:10 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653499,"authorDomain":"figuresofstick"}

figuresofstick

That's really interesting. I wonder if they'll do something similar in Australia if we ever have the iPhone sold commercially. It's rather good to see that reps from other providers are supporting this. Even if it the phone or unlocking the phone isn't officially supported. I fail to see how it is in Apple's best interests to limit the providers it allows to sell the iPhone.

There are a lot of better choices out there other than the iPhone. If people don't want to risk having a phone that isn't going to be repaired if something breaks in it. If you remove the iPhone from its selected network then according to Apple's warranty. You've voided it. :(

{"commentId":1653499,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"figuresofstick"}

2 votes

#6 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653557,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

I fail to see how it is in Apple's best interests to limit the providers it allows to sell the iPhone.

I think the way the contract was written with AT&T, Apple did not have as much freedom as they would have liked.

However they do seem to be working around it as I end up running into people from Europe all the time in the local Apple Store buying iPhones as they are far cheaper here then in Europe. Between a group of 7 German guys today they ended up buying almost 20 iPhones to take home...

{"commentId":1653557,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

2 votes

#6.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653714,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

Dr Juice

However they do seem to be working around it as I end up running into people from Europe all the time in the local Apple Store buying iPhones as they are far cheaper here then in Europe. Between a group of 7 German guys today they ended up buying almost 20 iPhones to take home...

I'm pretty sure the same locks that are in place here with AT&T are in place in the other countries that the iPhone is available in. Meaning those Germans are going to have to hack and unlock those iPhones to use in Germany. I know that warranty support for the iPhone is only in the country it was purchased in, so I'm guessing Apple has the same deal with other carriers (which is probably also why the global rollout is moving as slow as it is).

{"commentId":1653714,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

2 votes

#6.2 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 11:05 PM EDT

{"commentId":1653755,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

Right, the warranty is only for the country. The two German guys I talked to told me that the going rate to get a iPhone unlocked is $15 now, so still far cheaper then the $850 they pay plus nasty German taxes. Plus they stock up on Software also, far far cheaper here. They said many independent place fix iPhones, so its not a problem. Plus they said its hard to even find them in stock. Germany just does not have the superstores like we do. I was always surprised when I had to go out and get PC supplies, it was a pain as just not much selection and so expensive.

{"commentId":1653755,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

2 votes

#6.3 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 11:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":1775894,"authorDomain":"charles-darkfader"}

Chizzle Dizzle

Hey,

Everyone I have a iphone that was unlocked and given to me with a cheaper price for adding a new t-mobile line of service. The guy telling you to unlock it, was bassically saying, have what phone you want if there is a work around. However, it's up to you the user to make sure not to update to the latest firmware through apple. You have to wait for the same update to come up through a third party. In addition, use WIFI on the phone to update do not use edge. The company I went through also has a third party warrenty with a two year warrenty that will replace or fix the phone for two years if anything goes wrong.
That way you can stay away from apple and ATT. My biggest gripe is with ATT I hate them and when I heard the iphone was exclusive to them I freaked. And now even though I have to wait a little bit for firmware and other updates. ITS WORTH IT TO NOT HAVE ATT.

{"commentId":1775894,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"charles-darkfader"}

#7 - Wed May 7, 2008 1:37 PM EDT

{"commentId":9055851,"authorDomain":"lucylove"}

Lucylove

Ok, i'm sorry if i seem a little tech retarded! So, if i get my iphone unlocked to get away from ATT, i can't go on to itunes to download anything or sync? I'm confused! How would i download new apps or music or anything. I'm sorry, i did say i was tech retarded. What all isn't going to work on my iphone?

I'm so sick off att's rates! For 2 lines, one iphone, one blackjack 2, i pay $260 a month! HELP!!! Any one have any suggestions at all???

{"commentId":9055851,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"lucylove"}

#7.1 - Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1789617,"authorDomain":"lizacolby1"}

Liza-279205

I bought my iPhone through an "Authorized T-Mobile Dealer". They advertise on the Internet, rather boldly, that they provide unlocked iPhones with new 2 year contracts. As advertised, I purchased a jailbroken and unlocked phone from them and am enjoying an AT&T-free existence as I have for the last 4 years.

I stay with T-Mobile because their monthly prices are terrific. I have 3 people on my family plan, each with my faves and sharing 1000 minutes each month. I also have the unlimited internet plan. Altogether, my cost is about $90 per month, including taxes/fees. AT&T can't touch that. I asked them before I re-upped with T-Mobile.

The fact that a T-Mobile rep (be it at a bonafide T-Mobile Store or "Authorized Retailer") said you can use an iPhone on their system is a testament to their "no-drone" way of working. Those of you who have been with AT&T and are now with T-Mobile know what I mean. And those of you who are still on AT&T and don't know what I mean owe it to yourself to switch.

--Liza
(Who is loving her iPhone on T-Mobile)

{"commentId":1789617,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"lizacolby1"}

2 votes

#8 - Sun May 11, 2008 9:10 PM EDT

{"commentId":1789662,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

Dr Juice

What do you when a software update pops up? Where would you go for support?

{"commentId":1789662,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}

1 vote

#8.1 - Sun May 11, 2008 9:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":1789663,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

Tedd Riggs

--Liza (Who is loving her iPhone on T-Mobile)

Ah I think I am in love !

Thank you...I knew there had to be a way.....I love my wonderful T-Mobile price, service and coverage and I want a iphone,,,

I just wish you had left the web site....

{"commentId":1789663,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}

3 votes

#8.2 - Sun May 11, 2008 9:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":4386673,"authorDomain":"JFGESQUIRE"}

Joe G.-769128

Liza

$90??? For1000 minutes with 3 lines and unlimited net???? B.S. to the nth degree!!

1000 minute family plan with faves $89.99 for first 2 lines, $9.99 for additional line, $24.99 for unlimited web.

That's already $124.97 and I haven't even added in text messaging and fees. Unlimited family text is another $19.95 and fees are a minimum $2.50 per line.

And then there's the tax!

Try again - tell us what you are REALLY paying for your three lines, etc.

{"commentId":4386673,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"JFGESQUIRE"}

#8.3 - Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:39 AM EST

{"commentId":6565227,"authorDomain":"nfbandit"}

NFB

I have T-Mobile: Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Texts, Unlimited Data for 3 lines and pay $129.95 a month( $142.18 after taxes). Without the data plans it would be $89.95 ($101.04).

They are offering they loyal customers GREAT deals right now and there is NO extension of contract either!

I checked and for two lines we would pay $79.95 + tax so a total of $90 is about right depending on what part of the country you are in.

If you are paying more I would call them up and see what they can do. I found that it's all about how you interact with them. They have the power to make deals.

{"commentId":6565227,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"nfbandit"}

#8.4 - Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":7683263,"authorDomain":"dreammoneydomain"}

Leslie-1160742

I also hate ATT. I have tmobile myself. Could you please send me the website of where you got the iphone from the tmobile dealer.

That you described getting it from in your article PLEASE :)

Leslie

{"commentId":7683263,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"dreammoneydomain"}

#8.5 - Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":4674964,"authorDomain":"lanenadeacelerao"}

officialmissace

Joe, you're either unbelievably ignorant or you are definitely not a T-Mobile customer. I've been a T-Mo customer for five years and counting now since I left AT&T years ago. I now pay $39.99 a month for 1000 minutes monthly with unlimited nights/weekends. This is a plan that doesn't even seem to "exist" if you research. You'll come across a price of either $10-20 more a month.

This is because they have ways to get around a better plan for people with outstanding credit or outstanding continued service (I have never paid late once in the life of my contracts). Additionally, since I have excellent credit, I was able to get a very decent discount on my phone.

Last year, I decided to try out their sidekick lx so I added the unlimited text & internet plan for only $19.99 more (They recently raised their internet prices but it does not affect other T-Mo customers that had already been locked in at a $19.99 rate)

So Joe, before you go on assuming prices are "bull@!$%#" you should try T-Mo out sometime if you have excellent credit and build a rapport with them, their prices have obviously wowed you to the point of incredibility.

{"commentId":4674964,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"lanenadeacelerao"}

#9 - Mon Jan 5, 2009 5:38 PM EST

{"commentId":6565377,"authorDomain":"rickace"}

rickace

Ahhh, the bliss we land-line customers share! Crystal-clear connections to each other, and telephones we cannot lose or misplace.

Life is good :-)

{"commentId":6565377,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"rickace"}

1 vote

#10 - Sat Apr 18, 2009 9:13 PM EDT

{"commentId":7515123,"authorDomain":"karen-kaplan"}

karen-1143523

I recently heard that it's much more difficult to use and iphone with t-mobile. I heard they've made them more difficult to unlock, restrictions on updates, other difficulties. All these posts were from early '08... can anyone shed current light on the subject?? - Karen

{"commentId":7515123,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"karen-kaplan"}

#11 - Sun Jun 7, 2009 10:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":7683539,"authorDomain":"dreammoneydomain"}

Leslie-1160742

Liza

Do you have the website address to the tmobile dealer that sold the iphone to you please?

Leslie

{"commentId":7683539,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"dreammoneydomain"}

#12 - Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":10355649,"authorDomain":"stet-1"}

bastetmax

I also have been lusting after an iPhone but my husband says "no way" after all the fees he's been paying AT&T. (I'm unemployed, so I have no say in this.) So I have a G-!, which is nice for what it is. A little clunky, does most of what the iPhone does, but it's still not an iPhone. But all those disbelievers out there hear this: T-Mobile is fantastic. I pay (after taxes) about $71.00 a month. That's with 1,000 minutes talk time (which I never ever come near), unlimited 3G and Internet service, absolutely no long distance charges, nights and weekends free. The only things I'd pay extra for are texting (and I'm not a texter) at 75 cents a pop and phototexting (same thing). No charge for adding your own ringtones or any of that crap. You know how some of these companies come up with the most ridiculous things to charge extra for. But not T-Mobile. It is what it is.

The sound quality is terrific and I've never had a problem with dropping calls on my end--it was always the other person's problem. And they were on AT&T! If you can't get to your phone by three rings, you call T-Mobile and they will extend the ring time for you. Very friendly folks.

So, if it's true that I can get an iPhone on T-Mobile (and a cell phone doo-dad seller told me this same thing the other day), then I'm going to seriously consider this. I guess the unlocked phones are expensive and I'll have to look around. But it would be worth it. Anything to avoid AT&T.

Chicago gal

{"commentId":10355649,"threadId":"244775","contentId":"1408993","authorDomain":"stet-1"}

#13 - Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:10 PM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"244775","isPrivate":false}

ANDY MIN

Backyard

T-Mobile agent tells customer to unlock iPhone

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