From: "Carl Gehr" <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
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Subject: Re: [OS2Wireless] Re: OT?? cell phones
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On Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:13:54 -0400, Lewis G Rosenthal wrote:

>Disclaimer:
>
>I use a toothbrush, but I'm not a dentist.
>I can sometimes fix an electric toothbrush, but I'm still not a dentist 
>(or an electrical engineer).
>I try to obey the laws of the United States, but I'm not an attorney.
>I have *never* personally unlocked a cell phone - any cell phone - nor 
>have I obtained nor distributed the tools or information necessary to 
>accomplish such a task.
>Where there's a will, there's usually a way.
>and finally...

WADR, to my good friend Lewis, I fit all but one of his disclaimers:
*  I DO own an unlocked phone - A GSM Palm Treo 650.
*  The phone was purchased locked from Cingular.
*  Cingular is now AT&T and, honestly as soon as I
   can get a Palm Pre from other than:
   -  AT&T because there support and attitude stinks.
   -  Sprint, only because of what I have heard from
      others about their support.
   I will be off of AT&T.

Here is MY experience with unlocking my Treo:
*  When I first looked into the Treo, it was because I was
   planning a trip to Europe and wanted to buy a prepaid
   SIM to avoid the high cost of roaming in Europe.
*  My agreement [verbal, but written into my customer record]
   was that the phone would be locked for the first four
   months of my 1-year contract; just before leaving the country.
*  After the agreed to time, I called Cingular Customer Service
   I gave them the phone ID info and they sent me a message with 
   the instructions [rather convoluted] to unlock the phone.  It
   worked as intended.
*  I have not changed any of the Treo software, so it became
   an 'AT&T logo' phone when the purchase occurred.  But, the
   difference in support was like day and night after the
   change.
*  I tried to buy another phone from AT&T under the same terms
   where I would sign a NEW contract and after some period,
   the phone would be unlocked, but I was told:
       "AT&T never unlocks phone purchased originally
       from AT&T.  The phones are permanently, hard-wired
       to NEVER be unlocked."
   I have also been told this same story by Cincinnati Bell
   who [or so I was told by a CBW Rep - True?  I cannot say
   for sure.] used to get their phones, support and bandwidth
   from AT&T prior to the AT&T purchase by SW Bell.  So, it
   seems to fit the pattern.  

*  I am unable to use some of the new functions offered by AT&T,
   even the 'free' ones because they claim, on the one hand that
   "all you need is an internet enabled phone" but then telling
   me that the "Treos are no longer supported."  Thus, my attitude
   about AT&T.  They still think they are a monopoly and the
   customer does not matter.  So, even if Sprint is the only
   source of the Pre, I will probably go to Sprint.  [My son
   just purchased a Pre that he really likes.  And, at least
   so far, he is happy with Sprint service and support.]

So, as usual:  YMMV, but this is MY experience with one vendor,
one phone that started locked and is now unlocked.

Sorry, Lewis, but it is a 'wireless' phone... ;-)