[keithodulaigh]

Hi just noticed that Karim said that unlocking the phone by other means is illegal, how? What law says it it illegal to unlock your own property? From my understanding it would only be illegal to stop paying the mobile operator what they are owed from the contract you sign with them, no where does it say that you are not allowed use this phone on another network...

EDIT: user recommending unauthorised procedures

Message Edited by damocles on 26-Sep-2006
03:51 PM

[bandofbrothers]

The networks lock the handset to recoupe the subsidy they levy against the hardware. Its also to try and stop fraud.

Most networks charge a fee to do this to offset their initial subsidy after the 12 month contract is up or normally a 3 month time has elapsed on prepay.

The networks rely on you using their network, yes payiong the monthly fee , and making calls etc, as of course they are a business and need to make profit like all other firms.

My way of getting round this is to go thro Carfone warehouse for my handsets as they all come unlocked, contract and prepay.

Karim is right as the issue on unlocking is a grey area and is not deemed suitable to give advice etc on how to unlock fones.

If a user changes the security code from the default to a new personall one then the handset has to be booked in to have it flashed etc to return it to the original 12345.

[keithodulaigh]

And as for network locking - that still doesnt answer my question about what law says its illegal to unlock the handset via other means. I know the networks subsidise the price of the phones but there is no *legal obligation* for them to be paid back!!! You cant be obliged to do a lot of things with a pay as you go handset for two reasons: there is no written or verbal agreement signed by the owner, also if you dont register the handset then who will they know is responsible. If the phone is a bill phone then the networks are guaranteed their subsidy money back because even if you unlock a bill phone and move networks you will then be obliged to pay your minimum tariff fee. Networks cant tell if the handset has been unlocked and thirdly if the Carphone WH. provides phones that are by default unlocked then it cant be against the law as the law requires consistency; not for one customer to get free choice and for another not to....

So again my question is: What law or trusted source says it's illegal to unlock your phone?

EDIT: user recommending unauthorised procedures

Message Edited by damocles on 26-Sep-2006
03:52 PM

[manta]

you wrote:
"From my understanding it would only be illegal to stop paying the mobile operator what they are owed from the contract you sign with them"

and you wrote:
"I know the networks subsidise the price of the phones but there is no *legal obligation* for them to be paid back!!! "

?

[richcowell]

I believe one was referring to Contract Tarifs, and the other to Pay & Go Tarifs...

This topic isn't really asking for support though, which is the purpose of these boards...

The complaint should go to the networks, as they lock the handsets - not Nokia.

[grey_area]

This has been discussed so much already on this forum. If you want a SIM free handset buy it SIM free, you will pay more than a network locked handset.

For the lock code, it is there is case your handset gets stolen ans so as far as i know to get it unlocked you need to go to a repair centre with documentation to prove it is your own handset.

If you have forgotten the code... well whose fault is that? If it needs reset due to a fault then i am sure that would be covered by the warranty.

As far as I am aware there Nokia do not have a master reset code as that would make the whole security code pointless becasue how long would it be before such a code was to become widely available and completely negate the point of the security code.

[keithodulaigh]

"whose fault is it if you've forgooten your code"-are you saying you've never forgotten anything important?

And for the third time the question I posted was: "What makes it illegal to unlock your own phone?!" I already know phones are subsidised etc...but that doesnt necessarily make it illegal to unlock the phone by going to an unlock shop etc... So can someone just answer this: Is it *ILLEGAL* and if so what law? I am only asking because I was going to offer an unlocking service in my shop but I wont do it if its illegal, i am not looking for someones opinion about the matter, i just want to know is it illegal or not? and the reason i ask what law is because its very easy to come along and say yes its when it may not be....

I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for it and loads of places openly advertise the service....

EDIT: user recommending unauthorised procedures

Message Edited by damocles on 26-Sep-2006
03:52 PM

[richcowell]

Have you looked in all the fine print of contracts? I would think it would be in there somewhere, in which case the law will be breach of contract.

Maybe the statement in question could have been worded alternatively, so it didn't mislead anyone like this. I don't see what the problem is really:
If you need to get your phone unlocked - contact the network.
If you object to having to get it unlocked - buy them SIM-free.

[m_shaharizai]

Please note this topic has been discussed throughly. The advice given by members has been aacurate. I am now locking this thread.

M_shaharizai

Message Edited by m_shaharizai on 25-Sep-2006
06:28 PM