When I went traveling, I called T-Mobile and they provided me an unlock code without any bellyaching.
That's not to say T-Mobile isn't better than some other carriers. As I understand it, they are. But, I shouldn't have to ask permission to use my phone, that I paid $600 for, in Mexico for a few weeks, while I continue to pay for my US service.
Making unlocking a phone yourself illegal is anti-consumer and pro-corporate in ways that I find extremely distasteful and it makes me angry that the US state serves corporate interests so much more enthusiastically than individual interests.
HN, my brother is just about to relaunch an unlocking site I made in 2002 (mockup here: http://j.mp/WRfm6A).
I really want to help him fight this ruling.
I'm guessing that petitioning the librarian is the best idea. Any ideas or thoughts on how to go about this would be very, very much appreciated.
And if anyone's willing to help, email me (email in profile).
I buy my iPhones, and the first time they sync, I get the message, "Congratulations, your phone is unlocked."
As it stands, AT&T owns your iPhone until you finish your contract just like the dealer owns your leased car.
In Australia, subsidised androids on 2 year plans aren't locked at all, and for iPhone its as simple as ringing the carrier for the unlock code, you can do it the day you get your phone.
They're going to get the full value of the contract anyway, why pay them insane roaming fees too.
It used to be worse. They used to come locked, and getting unlocked was an exercise in pulling teeth. Thankfully things are better now.
To those that say it's a lease, it's not: you cannot give the phone back and receive the money you've paid for it. It is your handset. You cannot even request a new one if it doesn't suit you (here in Australia anyway). Unlocking the phone does not cancel the contract: you still pay that monthly fee.
Once it becomes illegal to unlock your phone by any other method it won't take long for them to start charging for this 'premium service' or not allowing it at all.
That was about 6 months into the contract.