In response to recent efforts being made to remove the DMCA ban on phone unlocking, both by FCC and White House, AT&T today released a statement on its Public Policy Blog. The response from Joan Marsh of AT&T seems to be short-sighted as he wrote that customers need not worry about changes to U.S. laws. He said cell phone unlocking doesn’t need government intervention, the company already unlocks devices:
“While we think the Librarian’s careful decision was reasonable, the fact is that it has very little impact on AT&T customers. As we make clear on our website, if we have the unlock code or can reasonably get it from the manufacturer, AT&T currently will unlock a device for any customer whose account has been active for at least sixty days; whose account is in good standing and has no unpaid balance; and who has fulfilled his or her service agreement commitment. If the conditions are met we will unlock up to five devices per account per year. We will not unlock devices that have been reported lost or stolen. “
It seems that AT&T has already implemented the policies what the recent unlock petition seeks.
AT&T, however, further contented that it has developed a website that allows iPhone customers to submit their unlock requests online. Customers can also call 1-800-331-0500, or visit an AT&T store to have the device unlocked.
After going through the post at AT&T public policy blog, here is the list of takeaway points:
- Customer whose account has been active for at least 60 days and whose account is in good standing with no unpaid balance can safely unlocking his or her phone.
- You can unlock a phone that’s under contract for international travel, but not domestic use. You’ll not be able to use it on domestic carrier. Here’s a forum post which claims you cannot unlock your phone for international travel.
- Customers who sell their used and locked phones to people that aren’t interested in using them on AT&T network would have to become AT&T subscribers for at least 60 days before AT&T accepts their unlocking requests and issue unlock code.
- If you bring a third party unlocked phone which is compatible to AT&T’s network, the company will happily offer you a SIM card that enables you to obtain service.
Did you try unlocking your AT&T locked cell phone? Any story or opinion to share?
Source: AT&T Public Policy Blog
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