So unlocking your cell phone is now illegal.

[OCMerrill]

With some pretty big fines apparently. I think this was mostly to curb small cell phone shops from unlocking a potential customers phone so they can sign them to their plan but, what they are saying is if you buy a phone from a carrier you MUST stay with that carrier in order to use that phone....forever.

If you buy an unlocked phone outright from a seller that is not affiliated with a carrier your OK. Tracking ESN's is now something a carrier can legally do even over another's network in order to see if their phones are being used. That sounds complicated. So keep track of who you sell your old phone to.


I unlocked mine for data reasons but have not switched carriers. I'm already going to hell so I ain't skeered.

 

[rivermobster]

So can you still unlock and old one online? Or does this just apply to new phones??

 

[TBI]

My phone has keyless entry :thumbsup

 

[Cajun]

Finding that very hard to believe. People "upgrade" their phones through their carrier. The carrier cannot and has not stated what/who you can or cannot sell your phone to. Said buyer can then use on the network of their choice.
Saturday, I took my son to trade in a game at GameStop. They had probably 30 used iPhones in the case for sale.
I would believe that buying a phone from AT&T and unlocking to go to Verizon would be more in line, but that would be a pretty stupid move.

 

[rivermobster]

My phone has keyless entry :thumbsup

Oh yeah? Can you unlock your phone remotely??

 

[OCMerrill]

Finding that very hard to believe. People "upgrade" their phones through their carrier. The carrier cannot and has not stated what/who you can or cannot sell your phone to. Said buyer can then use on the network of their choice.
Saturday, I took my son to trade in a game at GameStop. They had probably 30 used iPhones in the case for sale.
I would believe that buying a phone from AT&T and unlocking to go to Verizon would be more in line, but that would be a pretty stupid move.

The article was not real clear as to used stuff. The point being the carrier pays for part of the phone and you be a customer. When does end? After the contract?

This just became law so I bet we will see more of this real soon.

 

[OCMerrill]

Oh yeah? Can you unlock your phone remotely??

Joe, Your wife said your not allow to touch the remote. Period.

 

[OCMerrill]

My phone has keyless entry :thumbsup

Baller.

 

[HolyMoly]

This will never stick as a criminal offense. The only real chance they have is suing people in court for breach of contract...and, depending on the state, they will have to show actual financial damages...and what damages do they have when BUY their phone and unlock it - and they don't have to honor the warranty? The only potential damage is the carrier...but then, if you never intended to use the carrier, there are still no damages.

But that won't stop them from trying to scare you into thinking it is illegal and send you all sorts of scary letters.

In CA, they have to show financial damages. Even if they write "assumed damages" into a contract...CA law overrides that and states actual damages. I know Ohio law supports contracted damages, but again, they will have to take someone to court and get a judgement...and then it is still a pain to get the money, as they have to find it, and get the sheriff to help them. And, the contract assumed damages have to be reasonable.

All for what? a couple hundred bucks? Ain't gonna happen. But, again, most people think it is scary.

Shiat, I never wanted an IPhone....until now! Sounds like fun!!!

 

[Buoy]

When does end? After the contract?

Yes, that is the way I understand it.
Sign a 2 yr contract, contract expires, you can now do whatever you want with the phone.

 

[YoPengo]

So you can lock up your illegal?

 

[rivermobster]

Joe, Your wife said your not allow to touch the remote. Period.

You've been hang'n around Tom Brown too much. What's her period got to do with anything??

:headscratch:

 

[OCMerrill]

You've been hang'n around Tom Brown too much. What's her period got to do with anything??

:headscratch:

I had intended a different interpolation.