O2 To Unlock iPhones After One Year

[DoerrFan]

"For some customers, though, the most important news may come a year later. Separate O2 staff are suggesting that the wireless carrier's usual policy of offering an unlock code for Pay As You Go phones after 12 months will remain true for iPhone 3G.

While the request for an unlock code costs £15, the gesture would at least theoretically allow iPhone customers in Britain to use their handsets on competing networks such as 3 or Vodafone or to swap SIM cards temporarily for local phone service while on vacation.

It's unknown as to whether or not this policy will hold. For the original iPhone, Apple is known to have taken extra steps in hardware to prevent unlocking , but now is relying primarily on the service signup requirement to guarantee use with official providers.

It would also represent one of the first instances where unlocked iPhones would be sanctioned as a matter of policy rather than law; unlocked iPhone 3G units will be sold in France, for example, but primarily because providers aren't allowed to offer an exclusive device without it also being available as a stand-alone unlocked version."

[via AppleInsider.]

[KelvinalF]

i hope the do keep their word

[Happy Noodle Boy]

In semi-related news, I think in Finland it is the iPhone will be sold at around 400-500 bucks (8/16 gigs respectively) tied to a 6-months plan. After the 6 months, the provider will unlock the phone.

[btung]

why!?!?!? Why does Apple have to make this so hard on us??????? If they are going to sell a phone, then why not just sell it UNLOCKED??? I mean its not like its possible. Right?

[redcard]

why!?!?!? Why does Apple have to make this so hard on us??????? If they are going to sell a phone, then why not just sell it UNLOCKED??? I mean its not like its possible. Right?

You can buy it unlocked, for around $700. Now stop whinging

[burtthaman]

why!?!?!? Why does Apple have to make this so hard on us??????? If they are going to sell a phone, then why not just sell it UNLOCKED??? I mean its not like its possible. Right?

.... Apple has HUGE deals with MANY phone companies. These phone companies rely on people who buy the iPhone using them under their contract in order to make money. If Apple sold an unlocked phone to everyone then there would be no reason to stay with the phone company they have made a deal with.

Apple doesn't make its business decisions based on what the consumer wants Apple to do... because then everything they sold would be free. Quit complaining and think before you speak.

[tdub]

Apple as a company is doing what most every other company does, not related companies as ie cellphones. But they working every angle to make money as a company and that includes making money from cellphone providers here in the US and every other country. I believe apple will give all the options to cellphone users eventually, but with a price$$ attached ...ie app store, unlocked phones ...the control is for the cheese$$

[[email protected]]

Looking on the O2 web site, there is an option to purchase the phone on Pre Pay which may reflect in the genuine unlocking of the device.

[tattoojack]

Basically, if apple released the iphone unlocked, no one would ever use verizon (tdma) or sprint/nextel (iden/cdma). All other phone manufacturers would go outta business. Total monopoly of the cell phone market.
Apple wants to make as much money as possible, but they sure as hell dont want big brother hittin em like ma bell & at&t back in the 80's.

By now these things are costing apple about $1.75 to make and $7.50 to ship.
its all profit!

[thestrangestick]

I would have been less surprised if the news read: 02 To bend customers over and r@pe them up the a**!

[raseri]

....
Apple doesn't make its business decisions based on what the consumer wants Apple to do... because then everything they sold would be free. Quit complaining and think before you speak.

Did you read that sentence to yourself before you posted it? First of all where is the logic in that statement (please don't try to enlighten it would only further my point here) and secondly how can you sell something for free? Sold is the past tense of sell:

sell: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

[whogregwho]

Did you read that sentence to yourself before you posted it? First of all where is the logic in that statement (please don't try to enlighten it would only further my point here) and secondly how can you sell something for free? Sold is the past tense of sell:

sell: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

His post made perfect sense. Yours, on the other hand, seems like poor attempt at a quote-and-criticize post. No, not everything they sold would literally be free, but the point is that if the consumer dictates Apple's business decisions, the company would not be making nearly as much money. This is why iTouch users are charged for firmware updates. This is why they have a new aggressive plan to lock new iPhone owners into a contract while also discouraging unlocking.

By the way, the link to the definition of "sell" not only makes you look like an ***, but in the context of your post, also a dumbass.

[tattoojack]

His post made perfect sense. Yours, on the other hand, seems like poor attempt at a quote-and-criticize post. No, not everything they sold would literally be free, but the point is that if the consumer dictates Apple's business decisions, the company would not be making nearly as much money. This is why iTouch users are charged for firmware updates. This is why they have a new aggressive plan to lock new iPhone owners into a contract while also discouraging unlocking.

By the way, the link to the definition of "sell" not only makes you look like an ***, but in the context of your post, also a dumbass.

lmao, PWND!

[Taniban]

Did you read that sentence to yourself before you posted it? First of all where is the logic in that statement (please don't try to enlighten it would only further my point here) and secondly how can you sell something for free? Sold is the past tense of sell:

sell: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

I do hate people like you. It's a forum, not an English lesson.