Forum Discussion
T-mobile gives a locked phone when they say phone on us --- its a trap
T-mobile gives a locked phone when they say phone on us --- its a trap. Whats the point having a Iphone where one cannot use all features of the iphOne.
grumppy wrote:
T-mobile gives a locked phone when they say phone on us --- its a trap.
Whats the point having a Iphone where one cannot use all features of the iphOne.
"Locked" means cell data and service will only work on Tmobile's network. All other features and capabilities are unaffected. The promotion is in two parts - 1) you get billed in equal amounts over the promotional period for the full price of thee phone 2) you are issued an equal credit to bring your monthly net payment for the phone $0. In order to make it worthwhile to Tmobile they require you to stay on their service for the promotional period and when that ends, the phone is yours and you did not pay anything for it and you can also unlock the phone so it will work on any carrier's service.
I don’t know of any carrier that gives you a phone for free where you can immediately cancel service and still own the phone without having to pay the balance off.
gramps28 wrote:Pose this question on the Apple forums since it their policy, I'd love to hear their answer, also ask why Android can do temporary unlocks and can't Apple.
On a side note a read an article that one of the agreements to the acquisition of, I believe Mint Mobile, is that all phones will be unlocked after 40 days. Not sure if it's for both Tmobile and Mint.
Apple has nothing to do with Tmobile's lock policy and the promotional terms tied to it. If you buy a phone directly from Apple you can buy an unlocked one from the start. You only choose a carrier locked version if it's a requirement for special promotions and you agree to the promotional terms.
As for temporary unlock for perhaps international travel, Tmobile does offer that. As you mentioned, they have an app for that on Android, but for iPhone, you need to call Tmobile support directly.
