Unlocking phones

You unlock a phone either with a special cable connected to a PC or,
more commonly now and true for the Razr v3, with a special code that you
enter on the keypad. The code is calculated using an algorithm based on
the individual phone's IMEI number which is a 15 digit number found on a
label in the battery compartment. Many "unlockers" have invested in
obtaining the algorithm and will provide the unlock code within hours of
when you send them the IMEI with payment.
I bought my v3 from an ebay dealer and it arrived, as advertised,
unlocked and is working fine on T-Mobile. As far as "honestly"
unlocking the phone, there is nothing dishonest about unlocking the
phone you've paid for. It's YOUR phone - not theirs. If you signed a
contract for service as part of getting a phone you are required to
fulfill the contract which has nothing to do with the unlocked status of
a phone. A very legit reason for having the phone unlocked is when
visiting foreign countries. Rather than paying up to $4/minute for
roaming you can buy a prepaid SIM and use it at "local" rates. Also,
just becuase you get a subsidized phone doesn't mean you have to use it
to fulfill your contract.
This is all moot in your case as you want a Cingular unlocked phone to
use on T-Mo. It's perfectly legit to do so.



From:Mz
m_z@Nothotmail.com

> Hi.
>
> In general, how does one honestly 'unlock' a Motorola phone?
>
> Doesn't it come "unlocked" from the factory and once activated, the
> phone then becomes "locked" with the service the person signed up for?
>
> I'm confused as I want to purchase phones off eBay but am weary
> whether or not phones will work out carrier (T-Mobile).
>
> T-Mobile did respond to my email stating:
>
> "Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile."
>
> "Any phone (Motorola Razr V3) that T-Mobile does not sell but you wish
> to use with our service needs to be a GSM 1900 MHz phone. The best way
> to determine if it is a GSM phone is if you lift off the battery and
> there is a compartment about the size of your thumbnail for the SIM
> card."
>
> "It must also be SIM unlocked to be used with any SIM card. Once it
> meets these requirements, you may transfer your SIM into it to
> activate and use the phone with your T-Mobile service. "
>
> Any useful comments appreciated!
>
> Thanks.
>
> Mz