is Apple upgrading modem FW just to block unlocking? or...

[todesto]

Hi, all
at&t user here.
I really don't need an unlocked (software or hardware) phone since I am stuck with at&t for another year and 1/2
(but I guess it is useful when you resell your phone later)

Anyway My question is I see Apple is keep upgrading Modem firmware with new Firmware update and it seems to block unlocking (as expected) and wonder if it is just for blocking unlock or is updated modem firmware work better with at&t signal as well as blocking unlock. I still get occasional "call failed" and takes 3-4 seconds to hear my phone make the call when I press call someone. (meaning phone don't react right away when calling).

So do you think updated model firmware works better than before?

I am still with 3.0 because of tethering, but now tethering is abled in 3.1.2 that I am ready to upgrade but wondering if I should keep old modem firmware by using Pwnage tool or just update it use blackra1n.

[Poseidon79]

Initially when the iPhone 3G first came out they updated the baseband several times right away to fix the 3G signal and dropped calls etc. The upgrade in baseband from firmware 2.2 > 2.2.1 was to block yellowsn0w. The update in baseband from 3.0 > 3.1 was to black untrasn0w. No listed improvements for reception or reliability in the notes.

[todesto]

Thank you.
I used Pwnage Tool to preserved baseband figured I could always go up if needed knowing it is "impossible for now" to downgrade.

[CaptainChaos]

I would assume that the legit carriers have their foot in Apple's butt about keeping their phones carrier locked. It appears that most people point their finger at Apple when they should be looking at their carriers when it comes to unlocking.