Related
I know that I am not the only one looking at this phone as a way to get a great Dual Core, 4G, vanilla Android phone (unmolested by AT&T) but able to be used on the AT&T network. I have had great luck and a lot of fun with the AT&T Nexus One and I think this phone will be just a successful with the help of XDA DEV's
I wanted to start a thread here in the G2X section for people to share with other users how to's and what works with regards to using this phone on the AT&T network.
It may be to soon to get all the answers, but maybe someone is working the same answers.
Questions:
How easy will it be to obtain the SIM Unlock code from T-Mobile or LG?
I am going to buy the phone at retail, just may have to use T-Mobile for 60-90 days to get the Unlock code.
Will AT&T allow us to upgrade to 4G data plan without buying their 4G phone?
I know from researching the Atrix 4G that the AT&T data plan needed to be upgraded to a 4G plan but you could keep unlimited data.
If I remember Tmobile's unlock policy correctly you wont have to wait. You can request the unlock code right away if you pay full retail price. Unless that's changed recently of course but I dont think it has. Good luck with it.
Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1036129
Re-posting what I have found here:
I just got off of the phone with t-mobile customer care (1-877-453-1304). I called them because I wanted clarification on this before I purchased 2 full retail price phones.
The program is called the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program." It is for anyone that purchases a phone for the full retail price from a corporate store or an authorized retailer and pays all of the price upfront.
You need to call customer care, explain that you purchased a phone for full price and request a "remedy request form number." They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
ATTENTION: SIM UNLOCK TEAM
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Readable Copy Of Sales Receipt
It takes 24 to 72 hours to process and they will email you instructions to unlock your phone.
As for at&t's 4g, there currently using hspa+ also, so if it supports their 3g, you'll have at&t "4g" as well
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
nomisunrider said:
Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't know why they did not move that thread over to this forum. It was clearly labeled as a g2x thread.
That is great info from T-Mobile about the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program."
nomisunrider said:
They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have to be "faxed"? you can't email the info? thanks
Lightning N1 said:
I know that I am not the only one looking at this phone as a way to get a great Dual Core, 4G, vanilla Android phone (unmolested by AT&T) but able to be used on the AT&T network. I have had great luck and a lot of fun with the AT&T Nexus One and I think this phone will be just a successful with the help of XDA DEV's
I wanted to start a thread here in the G2X section for people to share with other users how to's and what works with regards to using this phone on the AT&T network.
It may be to soon to get all the answers, but maybe someone is working the same answers.
Questions:
How easy will it be to obtain the SIM Unlock code from T-Mobile or LG?
I am going to buy the phone at retail, just may have to use T-Mobile for 60-90 days to get the Unlock code.
Will AT&T allow us to upgrade to 4G data plan without buying their 4G phone?
I know from researching the Atrix 4G that the AT&T data plan needed to be upgraded to a 4G plan but you could keep unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering the same things. Currently have the vibrant...
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
davehasninjas said:
As for at&t's 4g, there currently using hspa+ also, so if it supports their 3g, you'll have at&t "4g" as well
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just expect to have below 3G upload speeds with AT&T.
Edit: nevermind... software vs hardware limitations. Nonetheless, screw AT&T
nomisunrider said:
Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1036129
Re-posting what I have found here:
I just got off of the phone with t-mobile customer care (1-877-453-1304). I called them because I wanted clarification on this before I purchased 2 full retail price phones.
The program is called the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program." It is for anyone that purchases a phone for the full retail price from a corporate store or an authorized retailer and pays all of the price upfront.
You need to call customer care, explain that you purchased a phone for full price and request a "remedy request form number." They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
ATTENTION: SIM UNLOCK TEAM
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Readable Copy Of Sales Receipt
It takes 24 to 72 hours to process and they will email you instructions to unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, are there any stores that are offering unlocks for this phone?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why does it work on at&t bands.... ANY PHONE and i repeat ANY phone can be unlocked.... the phone is made for two networkds (im guessing because of the possible merger) so no its not stuck to just tmobile... now i understand your stating that tmobile might not give the codes because it is an "exclusive tmobile phone" however!!!!! give this forum a few weeks and you will have it unlocked!
im sure there is away just like any other phone! (if im wrong and this is the only phone in the world that cant be unlocked you can kick me in the ****)
compuguy1088 said:
If this is true, are there any stores that are offering unlocks for this phone?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant find anyplace that have unlock codes for the G2X. This is an issue...
clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
sk337sk337 said:
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious but how will workers being able to order it, affect a way to get it unlocked?
spyz88 said:
I cant find anyplace that have unlock codes for the G2X. This is an issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not even officially out yet. Of course you cannot find unlock codes for it.
sk337sk337 said:
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it CAN be unlocked if you can get the unlock code. If the device is exclusive to T-Mobile, they wont give the unlock codes out so u are left only with back door options like T-Mobile employees .
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
nomisunrider said:
It's not even officially out yet. Of course you cannot find unlock codes for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It officially has been on sale since the 15th, so yes, it is out yet. Also, I have seen unlock codes for phones that are about to be released. Especially if there is a European counterpart.
P.S. I'm getting especially sick of these carriers with phones being locked to carriers, locked down, locked/encrypted bootloaders. SMH.
spyz88 said:
It officially has been on sale since the 15th, so yes, it is out yet. Also, I have seen unlock codes for phones that are about to be released. Especially if there is a European counterpart.
P.S. I'm getting especially sick of these carriers with phones being locked to carriers, locked down, locked/encrypted bootloaders. SMH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to pick a fight but NO its not officially out yet... it went on pre-order the 15th... that is not an official release if its just on pre-order
call customer service they will tell you the same
now as the same methods that worked with the O2x may not work with the G2x...
nate420 said:
...give this forum a few weeks and you will have it unlocked!
im sure there is away just like any other phone! (if im wrong and this is the only phone in the world that cant be unlocked you can kick me in the ****)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlock codes are provided by the phone manufacturer. When you make a request for an unlock code, the wireless company forwards the request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer e-mail's you the unlock code. If you're using an unlock service off the web they're doing the same thing. Devs have nothing to do with unlocking a SIM.
BarryH_GEG said:
SIM unlock codes are provided by the phone manufacturer. When you make a request for an unlock code, the wireless company forwards the request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer e-mail's you the unlock code. If you're using an unlock service off the web they're doing the same thing. Devs have nothing to do with unlocking a SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MANY of my phones have been unlocked by the help of people finding a way!
thanks for your input but my vibrant was unlocked without dealing with tmobile/manufacturers
Hi All.
I visited my local Carphone Warehouse shop in Dorchester yesterday where I was looking to buy the Samsung Galaxy Ace mobile phone. On all networks it was £199.99 except for ThreeUK which was only £120.00.
Having previously unlocked, rooted and custom ROM'd the Ace (thanks to XDA dev's) I thought I'd buy it on ThreeUK and put it on Vodafone when I got to the computer.
I asked the cocky know-it-all chump for the phone and got out my cash and he started ranting something about was I upgrading a PAYG mobile or did I need to transfer my number to the new SIM card.
I told him I did not need the SIM card as I had my own already but he informed me that the SIM the phone was sold with would be the only SIM that would work in it and using another SIM would IMEI block the phone.
Now I have never heard of this before and I regulary read stuff on XDA and I have seen any mention of it here either.
I thought he was just making sure he couldn't blag another 80 quid out of me so I decided to be the know-it-all chump and told him I didn't care as I was unlocking it and installing a different ROM anyway.
He told me that the PAYG SIM was tied to the IMEI number and I qoute, "as the networks are loosing too much money with unlocked phones".
I decided not to buy the phone as £120 was alot of money to lose if he was right and I could hardly go back with it blocked after this conversation.
Personally while a good idea, at least in principle from the networks point of view I can see too many negative issues arising from doing this.
Can anyone clarify any of this?
Can't believe that a different sim card could block the phone after it has been rooted?
Complete Bull. Impossible to do this as the network do not know if the handset you are using is unlocked or not. Also if you had your voda sim in the handset only voda would be able to nlock your phone as only they would see the IMEI being used. 3 would not know you are using another phone. Also the network only owns your sim not your phone. As a consumer it is up to you what you do with the phone. Hope this helps.
Not sure about those carriers but ATT has been locking phones to one sim card when activated. Only on prepaid at the moment but it shows it can be and is being done.
Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App
thre3aces said:
Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think what you will. Try it for yourself and see. The carriers here have been trying to think of a way to only allow phones they say to work on the network. Take verzion and sprint. They can refuse to activate any phone that is not in their system. ATT is working on a way to do this also.
thre3aces said:
Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was talking of a phone on a uk network subsidised by the operator called three, unless I misunderstood.
In uk phones subsidised by some networks are locked so they will only work with specific networks sims and some have been imei locked by using msin method where only one card will work in the phone.
However if you can root the device and flash non branded firmware I think that overwrites the lock and enables non three sims.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
he informed me that the SIM the phone was sold with would be the only SIM that would work in it and using another SIM would IMEI block the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His wording is misappropriated: what he probably meant was that the phone was locked to the carrier so you wouldn't get network access. IMEI blocking only happens when reported lost/stolen.
mistermentality said:
However if you can root the device and flash non branded firmware I think that overwrites the lock and enables non three sims.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I hope your right Dave. I think 'thre3aces' is pretty much on the money with what was said to me at CW. I'm hoping the way of countering this will be as you said, by rooting / debranding and/or flashing the ROM and not by simular more complicated methods (in most cases) of unlocking the networks.
I don't think though that there is too much to worry about. It has never been a long wait for us modders to hack our phones after some fantastic new security device is wrecked by the likes of George Hotz (blackra1n) and the MadTeam's of the world etc.
And this whole thing stinks of Apple!
The staff at phone shops (cpw/p4u) are full of bimbos whom have little or no knowledge of what they are talking about.
sparkyuiop said:
Well I hope your right Dave. I think 'thre3aces' is pretty much on the money with what was said to me at CW. I'm hoping the way of countering this will be as you said, by rooting / debranding and/or flashing the ROM and not by simular more complicated methods (in most cases) of unlocking the networks.
I don't think though that there is too much to worry about. It has never been a long wait for us modders to hack our phones after some fantastic new security device is wrecked by the likes of George Hotz (blackra1n) and the MadTeam's of the world etc.
And this whole thing stinks of Apple!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thre3aces was on about sim free phones but if you were on about a carrier subsidised payg one then yes carriers tend to lock them though only 3 and I think vodafone have been known to imei lock to one sim card and even then not very often.
I would assume the lock is firmware related though that is an assumption but if it were hardware locked then users would need a new phone if sims got damaged and that would cost more money hence the reason a firmware lock is more probable as they could more easily alter that.
If you had problems though maybe you could get a friend on 3 to ring them and say they bought a 3 phone and tried to input their sim but it failed...as an existing customer maybe three would unlock it for them?
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Seems like we've had a minor victory against big red thanks to the recent FCC ruling. I wonder if our government will come through on the bootloader issue. Goodness knows our government wants to regulate when we can take a piss...
Politics aside, I made a consumer complaint to the FCC a couple weeks ago regarding the bootloader issue, and yesterday I got a call from Verizon executive offices stating that they received my complaint and will be responding to the FCC and will send their response to me as well.
Anybody who has made such a complaint, have you received a communication like this? Not getting my hopes up, but its surprising to get such a response.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Whoa, dude. You may have a good strategy. How do go about filing a complaint with them? What grounds would we have?
Good bye HTC Rezound, hello Galaxy S3!
I'm sure the response will be their normal excuse about customer support, user experience, etc. http://www.droid-life.com/2012/02/2...tails-their-stance-on-bootloaders/#more-63166
PJnc284 said:
I'm sure the response will be their normal excuse about customer support, user experience, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto
One thing will for sure happen, Verizon will make the same statements they have about security and network stability that they always have.
In order for something to be done about the bootloaders on already-shipped phones, 2 things MUST happen:
1. The FCC has to agree that locking the bootloaders on the phones is a violation of their Block C license (which would ONLY cover LTE-based devices, as those are the only devices that utilize Block C spectrum). This is a matter of quite some debate. In my readings of the issues, I feel like it could really go either way. Potentially, this most recent smackdown about tethering might swing things more in our favor.
AND
2. The FCC has to disagree with Verizon that locking the bootloaders is specifically for "Safety, security, and stability of the network" (their primary defense, and something that would give them an out), which is likely as other devices (Original Galaxy S, etc) have shipped with unlocked bootloaders and have not had any negative effects on the network, as well as Samsung's plans to drop a developers edition of the S3 with no lock.
AlexDeGruven said:
2. The FCC has to disagree with Verizon that locking the bootloaders is specifically for "Safety, security, and stability of the network" (their primary defense, and something that would give them an out), which is likely as other devices (Original Galaxy S, etc) have shipped with unlocked bootloaders and have not had any negative effects on the network, as well as Samsung's plans to drop a developers edition of the S3 with no lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I personally think Verizon's excuses are bull as they're cherry picking devices that either allow or don't allow it. Motorola has been the redheaded step child with every device after the OG droid being locked down while Samsung has been the opposite until the GSIII debacle. They even allow the unlock tools for certain HTC devices although those don't provide full S-OFF but the point is still there. Then you have the Galaxy Nexus which is easily unlocked and the mythical Developer GSIII coming soon.
Here is the story the OP is referring to for anyone confused: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/fcc-verizon-tethering/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
AndroidGraphix said:
Whoa, dude. You may have a good strategy. How do go about filing a complaint with them? What grounds would we have?
Good bye HTC Rezound, hello Galaxy S3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Www.FCC.gov. it wwould help to attach documentes supporting our stance, such as Verizon's b.s. excuse in their official statement, and the announcement of developer edition.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Here is my complaint:
"Of the major US cellular carriers, Verizon is the only one to have released the Samsung Galaxy SIII with a locked bootloader. This means slower development, and less customizability of the device. The devicce was purported by Samsung to be unlocked, so many people ordered this device under the impression that it would in fact be unlocked. There was nothing in Verizon's advertised specifications about a locked bootloader. Their explanation is that the device is locked to maintain the integrity of the network. That's all good, but we later learn that Samsung will be selling "developer edition" galaxy SIII's with unlockable bootloader for use on Verizon's network. How can Verizon say that and then allow such devices on their network. It appears that Verizon has swindled many customers to pay top dollar for a device that they cannot use to its full potential."
Again, I don't know if this will accomplish anythning but who knows?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
-SmithTech- posted an article that sites the block C rules
Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee’s standards pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers’ networks.
Including this I think is a better route when filing the complaint. I currently hold licenses with the FCC and find that when you site specific rules with them it can make the process much easier
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
So I guess the "Developer" edition VZW GS3 doesn't fall under verizons safety, network experience bullcrap then because it doesn't have a locked bootloader...
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
basically Verizon is full of **** and everyone knows it and we just have to find the best way of phrasing that legally.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
found this about the droid x
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/02/2...tails-their-stance-on-bootloaders/#more-63166
so if you file a complaint make sure that you cite the lte device without locked bootloaders and that those dont negative effect their network.. and we might want mention the release of the developmental version and that it is the same damn phone just with unlocked boot and the lack of that unlocked device effecting their precious network.. we might push some type of fraud agenda by making us by the same phone twice if so maybe we can get the Department of Consumer Affairs in on the fun
I also think Google wallet should be included as a violation either in the same complaint or a separate one since that also violates block c
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
trafalger888 said:
I also think Google wallet should be included as a violation either in the same complaint or a separate one since that also violates block c
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....
TechSavvy2 said:
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"it violates an FCC regulation. You see, Verizon owns a special segment of spectrum at 700 MHz. The purchase came with a rule: Verizon had "to allow customers to freely use the devices and applications of their choosing."
http://gizmodo.com/5930610/verizon-...pay-20-for-tethering-anymore?comment=51441897
TechSavvy2 said:
How does Google Wallet tie into LTE spectrum? Lol.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite simply really exactly the reason they have to now allow tethering apps as per the FCC ruling and also as the poster above pointed our
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
csntqu few
You guys should see the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1779074
I think it has a good strategy when making your complaint to the FCC. Verizon is required to allow you to take your device to another carrier (US Cellular) and the locked bootloader prevents that.
Here is the complaint that I came up with that fits within the 1000 character limit:
Auction 73 Block C requirements, as can be seen in the following link, prevents Verizon from disabling features in their handsets.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/27.16
However, they go directly against this requirement by locking the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy S3. This handset has been released on every major carrier and Verizon is the ONLY carrier to disable this feature (unlocked bootloader) in their handset. This will "prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks".
They claim the lock is for "Network Security", but they allow an unlocked "developer edition" of the phone on the network. How can they hide behind "security" when their actions clearly contradict this?
Section (e): "No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers" -That is exactly what they have done.
I feel the FCC is lawfully obligated to force Verizon to uphold the Auction 73 Block C requirements; which means that they would need to unlock the bootloader on this handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like how you worded that. Hopefully we can make some lee way. Reading all this after just switching to Verizon and finding out they have locked the boatloader really is disappointing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
We should flame their Twitter account as well. This needs lots of press. We should try contacting a couple editors of tech blogs like gizmodo or pc mag....
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
So starting this Saturday, unlocking your phone without your carrier's permission is illegal now! What do you guys think?
source?
http://www.phonearena.com/news/It-may-become-illegal-to-unlock-your-phone-starting-Saturday_id39069
Does this mean carrier switching or rooting your phone? I bought my S3 in october and it was rooted then too. Will this bite me in the butt?
david_hume said:
So starting this Saturday, unlocking your phone without your carrier's permission is illegal now! What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be clear you are referring to SIM card unlocking right?
It has to do with carrier switching, not rooting. Calm your tits...
Sent from my VZW SGS3 rockin' Jelly 'Beans' Build 8 using Tapatalk 2
So how many people will take any notice. I certainly won't
Sent from my EndeavorU using xda app-developers app
This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.
Cruiserdude said:
This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jesus I shat my pants when I read the post title. Thanks for adding this explanation. Now I can get to cleaning my pants.
" you can only drive your car on OUR roads WAH WAH WAH" - the carriers
Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Big government in bed with big business. Fascism some call it
iSheep... iSheep... Meowww that's Apple VZW GSIII
nosympathy said:
Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's crazy the amount of entitlement the wireless carriers have. I can do anything I want with my computer and home connection but for some greed filled reason on my phone I have to run their approved OS that's been stuffed with unremovable bloat and barfed on by Samsung, can't unlock the boot loader (legally), can't use it on a different network, and can't have full control of the device I paid $600 for. It's makes me want to get rid of my smartphone.
nosympathy said:
Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
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Sounds like Apple...
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GreenMunky said:
It has to do with carrier switching, not rooting. Calm your tits...
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Thanks for clarifying
Cruiserdude said:
This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.
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The reason for unlocked sim's on Verizon LTE devices is due to FCC network access requirements for Block C, the 700 Mhz spectrum Verizon Wireless uses for LTE. The FCC states that:
"Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks."
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Here's a direct link to the petition...
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
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RBarnett09 said:
Here's a direct link to the petition...
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
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Make sure to make an account if you want to sign!
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Is this at all related to the $15 monthly fee attached to the Motorola droid x rumour? $15 for an unlocked boot loader bug has vzw ever gotten the terminology right? $15 monthly fee if you didn't buy the phones from them (an unlocked phone?) You'll be able to buy the phone from Google play unlocked or vzw subsidized.
Thinking out of my butt..
my tapatalk signature sucks more than yours
This was really only a benefit if you had a GSM phone in my opinion. Verizon won't accept Sprint and Sprint won't accept Verizon phones so really that was mute for me. What I am planning on doing is likely buying international and unlocked phone next time when I move to AT&T. None of this US based crap.
RaptorMD said:
This was really only a benefit if you had a GSM phone in my opinion. Verizon won't accept Sprint and Sprint won't accept Verizon phones so really that was mute for me. What I am planning on doing is likely buying international and unlocked phone next time when I move to AT&T. None of this US based crap.
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I agree with you.
Its a great thing for doing to the S3... not so much for many others.
But if we bought these phones, we should have a right to do whatever we want with it regardless. It is our property, not theirs. If they are going to be this way about it, they should supply our phones to us for free just for using their service.
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First, I am amazed at all the folks who contribute here. Thank you for sharing you knowledge and assistance with those of us that are less knowledgeable. With regard to all the discussion on the locked bootloader - my question is: Who is really responsible for the bootloader being locked - Motorola or Verizon?
I have a Maxx on 4.4 11/2013 build (won't take the 4.4.4 update and lose WP off) and tried to see if I could get my bootloader unlocked by Moto or Verizon and both just pointed fingers at each other and neither offered any possibility of unlocking, no surprise there I guess. Being a 2013 build the Chinaman method is out for me 8-( But still - just who really is to blame for the locked bootloader?
Secondary question - since the phone is boot locked doesn't that pretty much make it impossible to move to another carrier? Is the new law the President just signed supposed to stop this nonsense? Can I push the issue armed with this law now in effect with either Verizon or Moto since unlocking a phone is supposed to be legal and allowed?
Thanks for your thoughts...
Trebor
GSM unlocking is required by law once the customers obligations are completed allowing the phone to goto another carrier if the phone is physically able to run on the carriers network.
That is what I read on a couple of other sites a couple days ago. Our maxx from my understanding came new GSM unlocked from VZW.
Bootloader unlocking and carrier unlocking are not the same thing. All moto's are bootloader unlocked and moto gives the option to void your warranty and get an unlock code from them directly. Verizon does not allow this and won't allow moto to unlock those devices. Perfectly legal and really nothing you can do about it other than buy a dev edition.
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rekids said:
GSM unlocking is required by law once the customers obligations are completed allowing the phone to goto another carrier if the phone is physically able to run on the carriers network.
That is what I read on a couple of other sites a couple days ago. Our maxx from my understanding came new GSM unlocked from VZW.
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So are you suggesting that I should be able to take my Maxx, pop in a T-Mobile GSM and be able to run with it??? I didn't think it worked like that. How would updates be handled, by Verizon or T-Mobile?
I know a few folks managed to get the Maxx on T-Mobile, but presumed that was only after unlocking the BL and then flashing a ported ROM.
akellar said:
Bootloader unlocking and carrier unlocking are not the same thing. All moto's are bootloader unlocked and moto gives the option to void your warranty and get an unlock code from them directly. Verizon does not allow this and won't allow moto to unlock those devices. Perfectly legal and really nothing you can do about it other than buy a dev edition.
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So you're suggesting that Verizon is ultimately responsible and prevents the unlocking of the BL??? And isn't it true that since the BL is locked I am prevented from taking my device to another carrier and using THEIR version of Android. Doesn't that fly in the face of the new law? In the end, with a locked BL I am essentially tied in perpetuity to Verizon if I want to use the phone I paid full price for.
All 4G phones with the 700 mhz band from Verizon are SIM unlocked out of the box. Just put a T-Mobile SIM in your Maxx and add the appropriate APN. No fuss. I've tested this on my own Maxx and LG G3.
The bootloader being locked has nothing to do with the SIM unlock.
rtaylor429 said:
How would updates be handled, by Verizon or T-Mobile?
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Nearly all Verizon LTE phones are Sim unlocked right out of the box...yes, you can take your Maxx and pop in an ATT or T Mobile Sim and run with it...after applying the proper APN of course...
As far as updates, no carrier is under any obligation to update phones...you'd be on your own in that regard.
I imagine you could still update via WiFi from Verizon though..
Well that bit of advice from the two posts above is disheartening. I was hoping that the new law would have some effect on forcing either Moto or Verizon to unlock the bootloader.
I love what the Droid Maxx has in it, but the policy of locking the device and restricting its use is akin to buying a car but then being told you can only use Shell gas or Firestone tires on it. It's my friggin' car!!! But oh if you spend more for the Dev Edition of the car, you can use any gas you want!
I know I am whining to the choir....:crying:
rtaylor429 said:
Well that bit of advice from the two posts above is disheartening. I was hoping that the new law would have some effect on forcing either Moto or Verizon to unlock the bootloader.
I love what the Droid Maxx has in it, but the policy of locking the device and restricting its use is akin to buying a car but then being told you can only use Shell gas or Firestone tires on it. It's my friggin' car!!! But oh if you spend more for the Dev Edition of the car, you can use any gas you want!
I know I am whining to the choir....:crying:
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Dev edition is the same price
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akellar said:
Dev edition is the same price
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No it wasn't - the Dev Edition was $649.00 when the Standard was $499.00 and whats worse, the Dev Edition has been pulled from Motorola's web site and you cannot even buy it anymore. Check out the Motorola site yourself.... Very Disappointing... They even redirect you straight to Verizon's website to purchase the standard version...