Unlocking smartphones without permission illegal after Friday

[ArmedCMT]

What about "found" unlocked phones?

so much win

[high_revs]

is there some kind of database that the carriers share where if they see something unlocked, they'll report? i don't unlock phones but it'd be nice if i want to switch carrier but don't want a new phone.

[the86d]

I am sure that "it's Bush's[/Republican's] fault, and you're a racist..."


I have 2 phones that don't even have a Cyanogenmod build (or any 2.3 for those yet), so this is crap, as those will have to be replaced so the lady doesn't get pissed upon "new phone time"...

[Justin87]

Its nonsensical. The big carriers already have their fees when you cancel to cover themselves. You own the phone.

Bull****.

[xrMike]

I do not own or carry a GPS beacon..

You can turn off the GPS locator features, and the cell tower locator features too, on most phones, I think.

I've always wondered if those settings can be overriden by the phone company, in order to track you, if say the cops asked them to or showed them a warrant.

[NytWolf]

I paid good money for my smart phone. I own my smart phone. I'll do with it what I damn well please.

Exactly! But to use their network, you need to abide by their rules.

Kinda like owning a vehicle.

[bigbearbear]

This is a rather strange law really, in some countries (eg. Singapore), the reverse is true. It is illegal for the service providers to lock the phones to them, this allows for easier change of provider.

[Justin87]

Exactly! But to use their network, you need to abide by their rules.

Kinda like owning a vehicle.

You understand what unlocking is right? You are not affecting their network, only what networks your phone is able to use.

You pay a fee if you cancel before your contract is up. That is your punishment. They shouldnt be able to tell you that you cant use another carrier when you have satisfied your contract or paid the contract cancellation fee.

[Justin87]

Also this only applies to phone bought from no on. While this is still bull**** its a non issue for some of us currently. However I plan on getting a new phone eventually so I will be fighting/*****ing about this.

And good info about Rooting. Rooting does only give you root access it does not change the ROM. ROMs are still built off of the original OS however they are tweaked. To call them different operating systems would be inaccurate. Popular example would be the CM Roms. CM10 is based of of Jellybean the most recent OS update to the Android OS. There are multiple versions of CM10, as well as different ROMs entirely.

Someone can correct me if Im wrong.

[the86d]

Derivative ROM=One reworked from orig. stock

A.O.S.P. / From source=Cyanogen, or the like... includes little (if any) from stock ROM that came on your phone...

Rooting give you complete access to remove stock apps, or change the ROM at will in general if avail.

[Chris J]

The new prohibition really only affects cellphone users who aren't good at math. Cellphone contracts and subsidised phones have always been a losing proposition for the consumer.

Don't like the new rules? I don't either -- it is a flagrant abuse of consumer rights -- but easy to circumvent. Never renew a cellphone contract, never buy a locked phone. If everyone followed those two principles the major carriers would have that ruling turned over pretty quick.

[the86d]

I'll never buy another Motorola due to the Locking of the bootloader in the Droid2 and DroidX, w/no way to unlock nor better the device.

I am not sure I will ever go back to Verizon because of this either...

[NytWolf]

You understand what unlocking is right? You are not affecting their network, only what networks your phone is able to use.

Ahhh, I forgot about using it on other carrier networks.

You pay a fee if you cancel before your contract is up. That is your punishment. They shouldnt be able to tell you that you cant use another carrier when you have satisfied your contract or paid the contract cancellation fee.

True.

[Justin87]

I understand where they are coming from if you were able to get out of the contract and they take a hit. However like I said thats not the case.

Glad I cleared it up for ya

[Justin87]

I'll never buy another Motorola due to the Locking of the bootloader in the Droid2 and DroidX, w/no way to unlock nor better the device.

I am not sure I will ever go back to Verizon because of this either...

I rooted my Droid X?

I deleted so much bloat ware... thats the only reason I rooted it too. I didnt even flash ROMs until I got my Nexus.