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Author What to say to get T-Mobile to unlock my phone?
John

2005-11-05, 11:48 pm

Hi,

My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.

What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?

Thanks,
John

F. W.

2005-11-05, 11:48 pm

I believe the term is "SIM Subsidy Unlock" or something similar.
Basically, just ask customer care to have the phone unlocked.
They'll know what you mean.
If they ask why, just say that you'll be going overseas and would like to be
able to use a local SIM when you get there.
They will e-mail instructions to you as to how to unlock the phone.
It will contain an unlock code unique to your phone.
As far as increasing the phone's value for resale, that is doubtful.
I've met numerous people that bought "unlocked" phones on e-bay.
Few were actually unlocked.
I don't think too many people actually believe that line anymore (except in
New Jersey, arm pit of the nation).

Storm


"John" <johnfofawn@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131240993.310831.43050@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
> unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
> what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.
>
> What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
> into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?
>
> Thanks,
> John
>



Felipe Garcia

2005-11-05, 11:48 pm

tell them u want to unlock it.

thats it.

when i called, they gave me a code.


"John" <johnfofawn@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131240993.310831.43050@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
> unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
> what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.
>
> What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
> into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?
>
> Thanks,
> John
>



Kevin K

2005-11-05, 11:48 pm

On Sun, 6 Nov 2005 01:36:33 UTC, "John" <johnfofawn@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
> unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
> what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.
>
> What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
> into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?
>
> Thanks,
> John
>


I would think that a generic Tmobile phone, unlocked, would still be
less desirable than an unlocked phone from some other vendor, because
traditionally most Tmobile phones were only 1900 in the US. Meaning
that, for customers with other phone companies like Cingular, it still
may not work well in their areas.

I've noticed that some TMobile phones are now becoming available with
850 too, probably to better support roaming in areas without 1900
service.

--

Steve Sobol

2005-11-05, 11:48 pm

Kevin K wrote:

> I would think that a generic Tmobile phone, unlocked, would still be
> less desirable than an unlocked phone from some other vendor, because
> traditionally most Tmobile phones were only 1900 in the US. Meaning
> that, for customers with other phone companies like Cingular, it still
> may not work well in their areas.


That's changing.

My Motorola V188 is a quad-band, 800/900/1800/1900, and it's not the only
multi-band phone T-Mo sells (although not all are quad-band).

--
Steve Sobol, Professional Geek 888-480-4638 PGP: 0xE3AE35ED
Company website: http://JustThe.net/
Personal blog, resume, portfolio: http://SteveSobol.com/
E: sjsobol@JustThe.net Snail: 22674 Motnocab Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307
R. P.

2005-11-06, 2:48 am

"F. W." <worthless51@verizon.net> wrote:
> I believe the term is "SIM Subsidy Unlock" or something similar.
> Basically, just ask customer care to have the phone unlocked.
> They'll know what you mean.
> If they ask why, just say that you'll be going overseas and would like
> to be able to use a local SIM when you get there.
> They will e-mail instructions to you as to how to unlock the phone.
> It will contain an unlock code unique to your phone.


Well, I requested an unlock for my V330 and I recieved a canned
reply telling me what condition I have to meet (all of which I have met)
and asking for certain info, such as the IMEI number, etc., that can
identify me as the real owner of that phone. I emailed that info over a
week ago and I still haven't heard from them. That would be that famous
customer service they like to brag about in their ads?

Rudy

LEM

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:JYadnTC1tojD4vD
eRVn-rg@comcast.com:

> Well, I requested an unlock for my V330 and I recieved a canned
> reply telling me what condition I have to meet (all of which I have
> met) and asking for certain info, such as the IMEI number, etc., that
> can identify me as the real owner of that phone.


More likely as current t-mobile customer. And other info is to identify
the phone itself, so that they can generate an unlock code for you
(usually you need phone model, IMEI and name of carrier to which it's
locked just to get the code right, not to identify the owner). When I
once requested the code from t-mobile it was not even for a phone I
owned (did it for friend who just signed up and had to go overseas).
They didn't care, I just told them I borrowed this phone for a 2 week
trip.

> I emailed that info over a
> week ago and I still haven't heard from them. That would be that
> famous customer service they like to brag about in their ads?


This is rather an exception from the rule. All cases I heard of
(including personal experience) the reply came within a few days. Where
exactly did you e-mail the info - did t-mobile ask you to e-mail it?
AFAIK they no longer accept e-mail requests for unlocking. You have to
give them info over the phone with your e-mail address, and they'll
e-mail you the code...

LEM
(remove all digits from address for direct reply)
Bob

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

Ask Cingular the same thing and see what kind of customer service they
give you. If you don't want to wait for T-Mobile to give you the
information, there are plenty of other sources to get your phone
unlocked. The only difference is you have to pay for it from other
sources.

Just be patient, or pay for it.

On Sat, 5 Nov 2005 19:58:20 -0800, "R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>"F. W." <worthless51@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> Well, I requested an unlock for my V330 and I recieved a canned
>reply telling me what condition I have to meet (all of which I have met)
>and asking for certain info, such as the IMEI number, etc., that can
>identify me as the real owner of that phone. I emailed that info over a
>week ago and I still haven't heard from them. That would be that famous
>customer service they like to brag about in their ads?
>
>Rudy


Kevin K

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

On Sun, 6 Nov 2005 03:36:57 UTC, Steve Sobol <sjsobol@JustThe.net>
wrote:

> Kevin K wrote:
>
>
> That's changing.
>
> My Motorola V188 is a quad-band, 800/900/1800/1900, and it's not the only
> multi-band phone T-Mo sells (although not all are quad-band).
>


You notice that the very next paragraph mentioned that TMobile had
started selling some phones supporting 850? :)

Chances are, though, that most of the unlocked TMobile phones being
sold on Ebay aren't 850 compatible yet. If TMobile converts to only
selling phones that can support 850 and 1900 (or quad bands), then in
a few years most of the phones available will work with Cingular once
unlocked.

--

Joseph

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

On 5 Nov 2005 17:36:33 -0800, "John" <johnfofawn@hotmail.com> wrote:

>My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
>unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
>what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.
>
>What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
>into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?


You shouldn't really need to say anything. However, if you want an
excuse tell them that you may be going to Canada/Mexico and you wish
to use a local prepaid there rather than use your T-Mobile service.
When you call in make sure they understand that you want the SIM
unlocking code and *not* the PUK code for when your SIM PIN has been
punched too many times with the wrong code. They should be able to
obtain the unlock code in a couple days. If it's a Nokia phone you
can even get the unlock code yourself through an unlocking ap that you
can download or even from some places that will do it right there for
you while you're on line. All you'll need is your IMEI (key *#06#)
and knowing which network your phone is locked to (assuming it's
T-Mobile you will use the T-Mobile network with MCC/MNC of 310-20.)
The unlock sequence will be shown to you it's basically #pw+[code]# p
being generated by pressing * three times rapidly and pressing * four
times rapidly to generate the w character.

As to how you know if your phone is locked or unlocked? If you got
your phone from T-Mobile there's almost a 100% likelihood that your
phone is locked. The sure way to tell is put a non-T-Mobile SIM in
the phone. If it gets rejected your phone is locked.
- -

Joseph

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 02:22:30 GMT, "F. W." <worthless51@verizon.net>
wrote:

>As far as increasing the phone's value for resale, that is doubtful.


Hardly. If a phone only works on T-Mobile it's not as valuable as a
phone that can work on any GSM network. Having it locked to T-Mobile
will mean that you will have only interest from someone who needs a
T-Mobile compatible phone. If it's compatible with any network you'll
have a much larger pool of people who may be interested.

- -

Joseph

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 11:31:47 GMT, LEM <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org>
wrote:

>AFAIK they no longer accept e-mail requests for unlocking.


Direct email no. But if you go to the T-Mobile web site and go to the
comments/questions page you can ask for the unlock code there. They
will get back to you and ask you some questions (such as IMEI, reason
for unlock etc.) and when you provide the information they will email
you back with the relevant information.

- -

R. P.

2005-11-06, 5:48 pm

"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Direct email no. But if you go to the T-Mobile web site and go to the
> comments/questions page you can ask for the unlock code there. They
> will get back to you and ask you some questions (such as IMEI, reason
> for unlock etc.) and when you provide the information they will email
> you back with the relevant information.


That's exactly how I requested it and I received then an email reply
from somebody named Carla, requesting all that additional info which I
then provided in the return email.

R. P.

Ben Skversky

2005-11-06, 11:48 pm

Once it's unlocked will he be able to use the phone on the Cingular network?


"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:e2ksm15no5jgq1j
nekqn8ju6ief4uhjsi2@
4ax.com...
> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 02:22:30 GMT, "F. W." <worthless51@verizon.net>
> wrote:
>
>
> Hardly. If a phone only works on T-Mobile it's not as valuable as a
> phone that can work on any GSM network. Having it locked to T-Mobile
> will mean that you will have only interest from someone who needs a
> T-Mobile compatible phone. If it's compatible with any network you'll
> have a much larger pool of people who may be interested.
>
> - -
>



Cyrus Afzali

2005-11-06, 11:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 02:56:05 GMT, "Ben Skversky"
<bskversky1@verizon.net> wrote:

>Once it's unlocked will he be able to use the phone on the Cingular network?


Once a GSM phone is unlocked, it will not be restricted to any
particular carrier. All you need is a SIM from a GSM provider, and as
long as the phone can receive the frequency that the GSM provider
operates on, it will work.
>
>
>"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:e2ksm15no5jgq1j
nekqn8ju6ief4uhjsi2@
4ax.com...
>

John Richards

2005-11-07, 2:48 am

Not much, if the phone is 1900 MHz only, as most of T-Mo's phones are.

--
John Richards


"Ben Skversky" <bskversky1@verizon.net> wrote in message news:9nzbf.3552$vC6.3320@trnddc05...[color=darkred]
> Once it's unlocked will he be able to use the phone on the Cingular network?
>
>
> "Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:e2ksm15no5jgq1j
nekqn8ju6ief4uhjsi2@
4ax.com...
Carole

2005-11-07, 5:48 am

John Richards wrote:
> Not much, if the phone is 1900 MHz only, as most of T-Mo's phones are.
>

Cingular is also using 64K SIM cards now which are much larger. Not sure
if they are still offering the old ones.
Cyrus Afzali

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 04:07:45 GMT, "John Richards"
<jr70@blackhole.invalid> wrote:

>Not much, if the phone is 1900 MHz only, as most of T-Mo's phones are.


That's actually changing. T-Mobile offers several quad-band world
phones now, but if it's an old phone, it will have very limited use on
Cingular's network.
Joseph

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 02:56:05 GMT, "Ben Skversky"
<bskversky1@verizon.net> wrote:

>Once it's unlocked will he be able to use the phone on the Cingular network?


As is referenced in a previous answer. Any network (which if cingular
is one that one too!)

>"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:e2ksm15no5jgq1j
nekqn8ju6ief4uhjsi2@
4ax.com...
>


- -

Joseph

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 04:07:45 GMT, "John Richards"
<jr70@blackhole.invalid> wrote:

>Not much, if the phone is 1900 MHz only, as most of T-Mo's phones are.


That may have been true in the past, but it's not true at all now.

- -

Joseph

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

X-Newsreader: Forte Agent 1.93/32.576 English (American)
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On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:23:43 -0800, Carole < SeattleCarole@hotmai
l.com>
wrote:

>John Richards wrote:
>Cingular is also using 64K SIM cards now which are much larger. Not sure
>if they are still offering the old ones.


And this affects unlocking phones just how?
- -

John Richards

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:usqum1pplgo4jdk
k7oc5ua4cqo6i42nbuq@
4ax.com...
> On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 04:07:45 GMT, "John Richards"
> <jr70@blackhole.invalid> wrote:
>
>
> That may have been true in the past, but it's not true at all now.


You're probably referring to new phones being offered for sale now.
My take is that the overwhelming majority of in-use T-Mo phones
are 1900 MHz only.

--
John Richards
Ben Skversky

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm


Thanks for the quick reply.

"Cyrus Afzali" <pnsmnyv@lnubb.pbz> wrote in message
news:0sitm1pl3qiacd0
11h79j8o9k2n6dpi1h4@
4ax.com...[color=darkred]
> On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 02:56:05 GMT, "Ben Skversky"
> <bskversky1@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
> Once a GSM phone is unlocked, it will not be restricted to any
> particular carrier. All you need is a SIM from a GSM provider, and as
> long as the phone can receive the frequency that the GSM provider
> operates on, it will work.


Ben Skversky

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

The phone in question is a Samsung e-315.

"Cyrus Afzali" <pnsmnyv@lnubb.pbz> wrote in message
news:dcoum1lunm1fd2f
goj6gvqo84kpdavashc@
4ax.com...
> On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 04:07:45 GMT, "John Richards"
> <jr70@blackhole.invalid> wrote:
>
>
> That's actually changing. T-Mobile offers several quad-band world
> phones now, but if it's an old phone, it will have very limited use on
> Cingular's network.



John Richards

2005-11-07, 5:48 pm

The Samsung e-315 is a relatively new phone which covers
GSM 900 as well as GSM 1900. However, GSM 900 is not
used in the US.

--
John Richards


"Ben Skversky" <bskversky1@verizon.net> wrote in message news:gCLbf.3728$vC6.224@trnddc05...[color=darkred]
> The phone in question is a Samsung e-315.
>
> "Cyrus Afzali" <pnsmnyv@lnubb.pbz> wrote in message
> news:dcoum1lunm1fd2f
goj6gvqo84kpdavashc@
4ax.com...
Joseph

2005-11-07, 11:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 15:50:27 GMT, "John Richards"
<jr70@blackhole.invalid> wrote:

>"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:usqum1pplgo4jdk
k7oc5ua4cqo6i42nbuq@
4ax.com...
>
>You're probably referring to new phones being offered for sale now.
>My take is that the overwhelming majority of in-use T-Mo phones
>are 1900 MHz only.


You can twist it any way you like. The point is that current phones
sold by T-Mobile generally are 850 capable. If you ever wanted to
switch to cingular or another GSM provider having your phone unlocked
would be beneficial to you. Even if a phone has data settings hard
coded into the firmware the settings can very often be sent from a
carrier's or manufacturer's site. T-Mobile has a configurator and
Nokia, S-E and Siemens among others can send data settings to your
phone.

- -

Aaron

2005-11-10, 11:48 pm

"John" <johnfofawn@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131240993.310831.43050@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> My contract is nearing its end. I'm told that I should have the phone
> unlocked so I can sell it or take it to another carrier. I don't know
> what I'm going to do, but I'll have more options with an unlock phone.
>
> What do I say when I call in? What will they give me? A code to enter
> into the phone? How do I know if the phone is unlocked or locked?
>
> Thanks,
> John
>


I just called last night, went through CS, and told them I needed to have my
phone unlocked. Was on the line about ten minutes, no problems, they'd send
the e-mail within 24 hours... Got the e-mail this morning, and it told me
that the account has to have been active for 90 days before they'll unlock
it for you.


LEM

2005-11-11, 2:48 am

"Aaron" <none@invalid.yourbusiness.com> wrote in
news:1pUcf.2489$Xx4.1681@tornado.tampabay.rr.com:

> I just called last night, went through CS, and told them I needed to
> have my phone unlocked. Was on the line about ten minutes, no
> problems, they'd send the e-mail within 24 hours... Got the e-mail
> this morning, and it told me that the account has to have been active
> for 90 days before they'll unlock it for you.


I presume you are a new customer with t-mobile? If this is the case, and
you can't wait for 90 days (e.g. traveling abroad soon) it may be worth
to give them another call, and try again. I think it's up to the rep who
takes your request and then to the rep who fulfills it to decide. You
can't really complain now, since 90 days is the rule, but I know they
sometimes break it.

I personally know somebody who got their unlock code less then a month
into being t-mobile customer (called them, explained that she travels
abroad in a week, got code in e-mail).

On the other hand, if your phone is Nokia, you can unlock it yourself.
There are plenty of free unlock code generators and help sites on the
net. Try unlockme.co.uk for one.

LEM
(remove all digis from address for direct reply)

R. P.

2005-11-11, 2:48 am

"Aaron" <none@invalid.yourbusiness.com> wrote:
> I just called last night, went through CS, and told them I needed to
> have my phone unlocked. Was on the line about ten minutes, no
> problems, they'd send the e-mail within 24 hours... Got the e-mail
> this morning, and it told me that the account has to have been active
> for 90 days before they'll unlock it for you.


You probably got the same form letter I got and to which I replied with
all the info they requested. Never got a reply to that one. Then,
thinking that maybe I should not have sent that info in a reply mail but
rather through their |"Contact us" link on their Web site from which I
had sent my initial inquiry, I did go through that route again giving
them all the info, including the IMEI number, etc., and mentioning that
this is my second request after being ignored first time, I am still
waiting for a reply to that one after 3 days. I've been with them now
for 4 months which is way more than the 90 days minimum that's required
for the unlock. I guess next time I also call them on the phone.

Rudy

Aaron

2005-11-11, 5:48 pm

"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:zuGdnUAiVpVIsun
eRVn-vQ@comcast.com...
> You probably got the same form letter I got and to which I replied with
> all the info they requested. Never got a reply to that one. Then, thinking
> that maybe I should not have sent that info in a reply mail but rather
> through their |"Contact us" link on their Web site from which I had sent
> my initial inquiry, I did go through that route again giving them all the
> info, including the IMEI number, etc., and mentioning that this is my
> second request after being ignored first time, I am still waiting for a
> reply to that one after 3 days. I've been with them now for 4 months which
> is way more than the 90 days minimum that's required for the unlock. I
> guess next time I also call them on the phone.
>
> Rudy


Form letter, yes, but it had this little note at the bottom "Please Do Not
Respond To This Message As It Was Sent From An Automated Server Process".
Give CS a call and see what they can do for ya.


R. P.

2005-11-12, 2:48 am

"Aaron" <none@invalid.yourbusiness.com> wrote:
> Form letter, yes, but it had this little note at the bottom "Please Do
> Not Respond To This Message As It Was Sent From An Automated Server
> Process". Give CS a call and see what they can do for ya.


No, it was not one of those automated responses as you are thinking of.
It was from address
customercare@t-mobilesupport.com and here is a copy of it:
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile.
At this time, all phones sold by T-Mobile are locked for use by T-Mobile
SIM cards only. To unlock your handset, you must meet the following
criteria and these conditions:

-You must currently have an active account or an account that has been
cancelled less than 90 days ago.
-You must have at least 90 days of continuous active monthly service.
-The account must not be delinquent or in Write Off with an outstanding
balance.
-Only one SIM Unlock code per active line of service.
-The name on the request must be listed on the account as the billed
party name, authorized user, or contact name.

The only exception to these requirements is if you paid full price for
the handset, however, handsets not obtained directly from T-Mobile i.e.
eBay, pawnshops, friends, family, etc. must meet all of the above
outlined requirements to receive unlock code as a full purchase receipt
will not override the requirements. Upon meeting these conditions,
please provide us with the following and we can make a request for this
code.

-Account holders name (required)
-T-Mobile phone number (required)
-T-Mobile account number (required)
-IMEI number, press *#06# on handset to get the IMEI (required)
-Account Password or last four of the account holders social security
number (required)
-Customers contact number or email address
-Make and model of the phone
-Carriers name if the phone is from another carrier
-A brief reason for the request

If you have any further comments, questions, or concerns feel free to
contact us at anytime.

Thank you for choosing T-Mobile.

Sincerely,

Carla
Customer Care Specialist
T-Mobile USA
--------------------------------------

The above reply was dated Oct. 26 and I replied to it the next day,
answering all the points mentioned in Carla's email. I received no reply
to that one. Then I sent the requested info again a week ago through the
T-Mobile Web page's "Contact us" link. The only reply I got to that one
was the following automated reply (with the dentifying info taken out,
of course:)
-----------------------------------------------------
Thank you for submitting your question via T-Mobile.com. You should
receive a response within 48 hours. Please reference case number 77XXXX
in the event you need to update your request.

Sincerely,
T-Mobile Web Correspondence
07-11-2005
--------------------------------------

Since then a week passed, not just 48 hours, without any reply. At noon
today then I called them up and when I finally got a live rep on the
line and started telling him my story, the call was suddenly terminated.
So I called again, this time I got another guy on the line who at least
stayed on the line and after a few questions he said the unlock was
completed and I should be getting an email in a day with all the
unlocking info in it.
Well, I believe it when I see it but it looks like trying to get an
unlock through email is a waste of time.

Rudy

Evan Platt

2005-11-12, 5:48 pm

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 06:58:03 -0800, Joseph <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>As is referenced in a previous answer. Any network (which if cingular
>is one that one too!)


Just to clarify - Any GSM Network.
--
To reply, remove TheObvious from my e-mail address.
R. P.

2005-11-13, 11:48 pm

"LEM" <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org> wrote:
> I personally know somebody who got their unlock code less then a month
> into being t-mobile customer (called them, explained that she travels
> abroad in a week, got code in e-mail).


I finally received the unlock instructions from T-Mobile. However, the
following part disappointed me:
"Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card
entered into the handset." I assumed that I can do that unlock now,
before my overseas trip, so I don't have to bother with it then and
don't risk leaving those instructions at home. Who has those foreign
SIM cards here before they even take off? To me this requirement is not
very customer-friendly.

R. P.

Aaron

2005-11-13, 11:48 pm

For the love of god, quit your bitching. Just e-mail the damned
instructions to yourself.
"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7oSdnWk3BId4Qer
enZ2dnUVZ_sGdnZ2d@co
mcast.com...
> "LEM" <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org> wrote:
>
> I finally received the unlock instructions from T-Mobile. However, the
> following part disappointed me:
> "Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card entered
> into the handset." I assumed that I can do that unlock now, before my
> overseas trip, so I don't have to bother with it then and don't risk
> leaving those instructions at home. Who has those foreign SIM cards here
> before they even take off? To me this requirement is not very
> customer-friendly.
>
> R. P.



Mike S.

2005-11-13, 11:48 pm


In article < 7oSdnWk3BId4QerenZ2d
nUVZ_sGdnZ2d@comcast
.com>,
R. P. <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote:
>"LEM" <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org> wrote:
>
>I finally received the unlock instructions from T-Mobile. However, the
>following part disappointed me:
>"Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card
>entered into the handset." I assumed that I can do that unlock now,
>before my overseas trip, so I don't have to bother with it then and
>don't risk leaving those instructions at home. Who has those foreign
>SIM cards here before they even take off? To me this requirement is not
>very customer-friendly.


A SIM card from any carrier that is "foreign" to your phone will work. It
does not have to be from another country. You can get AT&T, T-Mobile, or
tons of other SIM cards from eBay dealers, among other places.


R. P.

2005-11-14, 2:48 am

"Aaron" <none@invalid.yourbusiness.com> wrote:
> For the love of god, quit your bitching. Just e-mail the damned
> instructions to yourself.


Who the hell made you the moderator of this news group?

R. P.
LEM

2005-11-14, 5:48 pm

"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:7oSdnWk3BId4Qer
enZ2dnUVZ_sGdnZ2d@co
mcast.com:

> "Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card
> entered into the handset."


AFAIK this is not necessary. This is what T-mobile tells you, but you
should be able to unlock many phones without foreign card. The way T-
mobile's instructions are - you insert the foreign SIM, and it then asks
for the code. But there may be another way to start unlock process. Just
google for instructions of how to enter the code into your particular
phone model. Or borrow somebody's cingular SIM for 1 minute. Insert it,
enter unlock code and give it back to the owner. You only need to do this
once. Keep in mind, that you have only a few tries before the phone locks
up. Make sure you enter the code exactly as it appears!
R. P.

2005-11-14, 11:48 pm

"LEM" <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org> wrote:
> AFAIK this is not necessary. This is what T-mobile tells you, but you
> should be able to unlock many phones without foreign card. The way T-
> mobile's instructions are - you insert the foreign SIM, and it then
> asks
> for the code. But there may be another way to start unlock process.
> Just
> google for instructions of how to enter the code into your particular
> phone model. Or borrow somebody's cingular SIM for 1 minute. Insert
> it,
> enter unlock code and give it back to the owner. You only need to do
> this
> once. Keep in mind, that you have only a few tries before the phone
> locks
> up. Make sure you enter the code exactly as it appears!


Thanks. I'll check it out. My initial search on Google only turned up
sites that seem to do unlocking as a business. If all else fails I try
to talk some Cingular owner to help me out though that might be a tough
proposition. I don't think I would like to lend my SIM to somebody else,
either. :-(

Rudy

brobin

2005-11-15, 5:48 pm

Loaning the SIM to you for the one minute that it takes to do the unlock
shouldn't bother anybody (or you) as no calls are being made. The phone
just has to detect a non-TMo SIM to ask you for the code. Enter the code
correctly and you are done. You hand the SIM back to whoever loaned it to
you right then and there. There is no data on the SIM that stays with the
phone in this case.

"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0oCdnX1BZ99U2-TeRVn-hQ@comcast.com...
> "LEM" <unp23@lem.freeshell45.org> wrote:
>
> Thanks. I'll check it out. My initial search on Google only turned up
> sites that seem to do unlocking as a business. If all else fails I try to
> talk some Cingular owner to help me out though that might be a tough
> proposition. I don't think I would like to lend my SIM to somebody else,
> either. :-(
>
> Rudy



R. P.

2005-11-16, 2:48 am

"brobin" <nospam@atmyplace.com> wrote:
> Loaning the SIM to you for the one minute that it takes to do the
> unlock shouldn't bother anybody (or you) as no calls are being made.
> The phone just has to detect a non-TMo SIM to ask you for the code.
> Enter the code correctly and you are done. You hand the SIM back to
> whoever loaned it to you right then and there. There is no data on the
> SIM that stays with the phone in this case.


I suspect though that most people I could loan a SIM from don't know
that and would shy away from it. Now that you told me, I would not. ;-)

Thanks,
Rudy

Scott

2005-11-18, 2:48 am

On 2005-11-14, R. P. <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card
> entered into the handset."


Usually a few sentences down it tells you something to enter into the
phone to pull up the "enter security code" screen in case you don't
have access to a "foreign" SIM.
R. P.

2005-11-20, 2:48 am

"Scott" <swb@employees.org> wrote:
> Usually a few sentences down it tells you something to enter into the
> phone to pull up the "enter security code" screen in case you don't
> have access to a "foreign" SIM.


Well, I also thought part of the instruction to ambiguous but did not
deduce from it that I would not have to have a "foreign" SIM. Here is
the instruction with the actual codes replaced with xxxxxx:
---------------
Before you start you must have a foreign (non-T Mobile) SIM card entered
into the handset. If the display reads "Enter Special Code", enter the
unlock code and press "OK". If the display does not ask for Special
code, please enter the instructions below.

1.Press the Menu key on the keypad, and then quickly press xxxxxx*. You
should see the Enter Security Code screen.
2.Enter xxxxxx and select OK.
3.Scroll to Unlock SIM select it.
4.Enter the SIM unlock code and select OK.
5.Press the End key to return to the main screen.
-------------

The ambiguous part for me was the 3rd sentence above, and what followed.
Is that what you referred to?

R. P.



R. P.

2005-12-18, 2:48 am

"Scott" <swb@employees.org> wrote:
>
> Usually a few sentences down it tells you something to enter into the
> phone to pull up the "enter security code" screen in case you don't
> have access to a "foreign" SIM.


As a followup to this one month old thread, I finally got my phone
unlocked by walking into one of the nearby T-Mobile stores at the chance
that they might have some "foreign" SIM card for just such occasions.
Sure enough they did and after I produced them the email I got from
their Customer Service that contained the unlocking code, they unlocked
my phone in no time. Apparently they are doing it quite often for their
customers. So all is well now.

Rudy

me

2006-01-08, 11:48 pm

Good luck I couldn't get t-mobile to do anything

leydenscellular@qwes
t.net
"R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:IZidnaQ8hc9M-- jenZ2dnUVZ_tadnZ2d@c
omcast.com...
> "Aaron" <none@invalid.yourbusiness.com> wrote:
>
> No, it was not one of those automated responses as you are thinking of. It
> was from address
> customercare@t-mobilesupport.com and here is a copy of it:
> ---------------------------
> Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile.
> At this time, all phones sold by T-Mobile are locked for use by T-Mobile
> SIM cards only. To unlock your handset, you must meet the following
> criteria and these conditions:
>
> -You must currently have an active account or an account that has been
> cancelled less than 90 days ago.
> -You must have at least 90 days of continuous active monthly service.
> -The account must not be delinquent or in Write Off with an outstanding
> balance.
> -Only one SIM Unlock code per active line of service.
> -The name on the request must be listed on the account as the billed party
> name, authorized user, or contact name.
>
> The only exception to these requirements is if you paid full price for the
> handset, however, handsets not obtained directly from T-Mobile i.e. eBay,
> pawnshops, friends, family, etc. must meet all of the above outlined
> requirements to receive unlock code as a full purchase receipt will not
> override the requirements. Upon meeting these conditions, please provide
> us with the following and we can make a request for this code.
>
> -Account holders name (required)
> -T-Mobile phone number (required)
> -T-Mobile account number (required)
> -IMEI number, press *#06# on handset to get the IMEI (required)
> -Account Password or last four of the account holders social security
> number (required)
> -Customers contact number or email address
> -Make and model of the phone
> -Carriers name if the phone is from another carrier
> -A brief reason for the request
>
> If you have any further comments, questions, or concerns feel free to
> contact us at anytime.
>
> Thank you for choosing T-Mobile.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Carla
> Customer Care Specialist
> T-Mobile USA
> --------------------------------------
>
> The above reply was dated Oct. 26 and I replied to it the next day,
> answering all the points mentioned in Carla's email. I received no reply
> to that one. Then I sent the requested info again a week ago through the
> T-Mobile Web page's "Contact us" link. The only reply I got to that one
> was the following automated reply (with the dentifying info taken out, of
> course:)
> -----------------------------------------------------
> Thank you for submitting your question via T-Mobile.com. You should
> receive a response within 48 hours. Please reference case number 77XXXX
> in the event you need to update your request.
>
> Sincerely,
> T-Mobile Web Correspondence
> 07-11-2005
> --------------------------------------
>
> Since then a week passed, not just 48 hours, without any reply. At noon
> today then I called them up and when I finally got a live rep on the line
> and started telling him my story, the call was suddenly terminated. So I
> called again, this time I got another guy on the line who at least stayed
> on the line and after a few questions he said the unlock was completed and
> I should be getting an email in a day with all the unlocking info in it.
> Well, I believe it when I see it but it looks like trying to get an unlock
> through email is a waste of time.
>
> Rudy




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BruceR

2006-01-09, 2:48 am

Why not? They do it for anyone who asks. Just tell them you're planning
a vacation overseas and they'll get it for you in about a week. If they
say no, hang up and call back to get a different agent.

From:me
leydenscellular@qwes
t.net

> Good luck I couldn't get t-mobile to do anything
>
> leydenscellular@qwes
t.net
> "R. P." <r_pol12gar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:IZidnaQ8hc9M-- jenZ2dnUVZ_tadnZ2d@c
omcast.com...
>
>
>
> ----== Posted via droptable.com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure
> Usenet News==---- http://www.droptable.com The #1 Newsgroup Service
> in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server
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