Earlier today, we published an article about the petition about keeping phone unlocking legal. As of tomorrow, it will be illegal for you to SIM unlock your device and take it to another carrier while tied to a contact with the original carrier. But for T-Mobile this new law is kind of a kink in their “bring your own phone” campaign. But T-Mobile has come out with a statement regarding the matter.
Increasingly consumers are looking for choice and flexibility in the way they purchase wireless. They want the freedom to bring their own device without having to compromise on value, which is why we will continue to make it easy for consumers to bring unlocked, GSM-compatible devices to T-Mobile.
T-Mobile recommends customers contact the device manufacturer or AT&T directly to request the unlock code for their device. Customers would then purchase an SIM card, select a T-Mobile SIM card only Value plan that suits their needs and T-Mobile will help the customer configure their device for its network. T-Mobile offers step-by-step instructions at retail and on the T-Mobile customer support forums online.
For more information on T-Mobile’s Bring Your Own Phone program, visit: http://explore.t-mobile.com/
phone-sim-card#sim For information on T-Mobile’s SIM Subsidy Unlock Code policy, visit: http://support.t-mobile.com/
docs/DOC-1588 For more information regarding the new DMCA exemption rules, please contact CTIA at [email protected]
So there you have it. You can still bring your own phone over to T-Mobile if it has been unlocked by AT&T. Which they will only give you the unlock code if you are NOT in a contract. So it’s not really a kink in T-Mobile’s program, but at least we know where T-Mobile stands on this issue.
So based on this new law regarding phone unlocking, will you be paying full price for your next phone? How many of you paid full price for your current phone? I know I did, that way I don’t have to worry about contracts. Which will soon be a thing of the past, at least I hope it will be. Let us know in the comments if you agree with this new law or not.