Can ATT detects my legally unlocked IMEI

[zeyado2000]

Hey guys,

I have a legally unlocked iphone that I bought from Australia. I am planning on using the iphone on ATT since I am tied up with a 1-year contract. I don't want to use the 3G network because I am a college student and I spend 95% on campus where it's covered by WIFI.

So, my question is can AT&T detect that I am using an iphone even though I don't use the 3G network and the iphone is not purchased here and has different IMEI?

Thanks
Zain

[Rip]

Sure they can, but why would they care?

[boxxa]

Ya they won't care tho. They will laugh at you if your phone starts to use data and they send you a bill charging you per kilobyte so be carful.

[zeyado2000]

Just to update you guys,

I called AT&T and they told me whether you bought your iphone from the states or from somewhere else, you have to have the iphone $30 plan. Well, sometimes AT&T employees give you wrong information (happened to me couple of times). So, I guess I will call again and hopefully have another person answer the question.

My plan is to ask if I have the $30 iphone plan, would I still get stuck with a 2-yr contract. If that's the case, then I will switch to T-mobile because AT&T is simply misusing their exclusive contract with apple!

[sziklassy]

Just to update you guys,

I called AT&T and they told me whether you bought your iphone from the states or from somewhere else, you have to have the iphone $30 plan. Well, sometimes AT&T employees give you wrong information (happened to me couple of times). So, I guess I will call again and hopefully have another person answer the question.

My plan is to ask if I have the $30 iphone plan, would I still get stuck with a 2-yr contract. If that's the case, then I will switch to T-mobile because AT&T is simply misusing their exclusive contract with apple!

You are right about this, you will have to use the iPhone plan. I am not sure that I would call it misuse though, it is just their terms. They are nether forcing you into a new contract, nor are they forcing you to choose them as a provider. They simply say if you want a GSM network with 3G in the US you will have to pay us what we want. It sucks, I agree, but if you don;t want/need 3G do what you are doing now... go with TMO, its cheaper and you can just do pay as you go... the downside is the network is worse (at least in my experience driving around the Western to Middle-Eastern US with both phones.

[boxxa]

Ya you want to use 3G you are going to pay 30 bucks across the board.

You might be able to get a monthly contract but its up to ATT and what they offer which I do not think you can do on iPhone plans. You are not buying a phone so if you currently have an ATT contract, you can just change your plan without extending your contract if you are lucky. You will be eligible for a hardware upgrade anytime you want since you have not purchased anything at the discounted price.