iPhone 3GS Unlocking

[Mike Hardiman]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone here ever tried to unlock an AT&T iPhone 3GS in order to be able to use prepaid SIMs for International travel? (More Specifically, Canada or Mexico).

I currently have Verizon with an Alltel tethering account which I plan to keep. I realize there's a new generation iPhone on the horizon which may be hosted by Verizon, but I don't mind signing a 2-year contract with AT&T since they strangely have non-roaming (1x) coverage in some of my favorite parts of West Texas, which are not covered by Verizon.

Having the ability to swap SIM cards for international travel would be an extra bonus.

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[Chris Campbell]

If you are running the latest software (3.1.3 I think), you are SOL on software unlocks for 3GS AFAIK. Apple can unlock it for you, but they won't.

 

[Warren Faidley]

Unlocking a newer iPhone is a complex and tricky procedure. Some of the newer ones (as noted) may not be completely unlocked, or you may lose certain features. Even some of the older ones cannot be jail broken or unlocked if they were upgraded to a specific level. The baseband and firmware changes complicate the procedure. If you try and fail, you can always re-install the original software via iTunes. (Apple may have changed this, so I would investigate before attempting any unlocking).

"Jail breaking" and "unlocking," are two very different things.

Beware of people selling software on the Internet promising to unlock or jail break any phone.

You might try this site for more information:

http://www.quickpwn.com/

W.

 

[Mike Hardiman]

If you are running the latest software (3.1.3 I think), you are SOL on software unlocks for 3GS AFAIK. Apple can unlock it for you, but they won't.

Hmmm... that's what I was afraid of. There do seem to be "legally never locked" iPhones 3GS for sale from a number of not-too-sketchy retailers (newegg.com, buy.com, and others) ... but the base price appears to be $850-950.

 

[Jim Edds]

I've found it's just much easier to leave the iphone home if you plan on going overseas. I have a cheapo ATT Nokia phone that I had unlocked by ATT. Yes, they will unlock any phone for you except the Iphone. I asked for the unlock code sequence and ATT requested it from Nokia, about 3 days later I received an email with the unlock instructions from ATT.

When you get to your destination some vendor is going to be selling SIMM cards - probably at the airport. Some even sell USB thumb data cards. When I was in the Philippines chasing typhoons last season, I bought both based on minutes I needed - not a rediculous two year contract like Sprint or ATT here.

So while it would be great to take the Iphone overseas - money wise it just doesn't make sense. Even the ATT international roaming plan is a joke. $1.50per min for the Philippines??? Not for me.