AT&T reportedly unlocking iPhones for deployed military personnel
On the heels of a new AT&T policy allowing for out-of-contract iPhones to be unlocked, reports have emerged that the carrier is unlocking in-contract iPhones for U.S. service members who have been deployed abroad.
AT&T began unlocking qualifying iPhones on Sunday. The company stipulates that customer accounts must be in good standing, not be associated with a current and active term commitment and fulfilled their contract term, upgraded or paid an early termination fee.
Customers report that the unlocking process goes through iTunes and requires a backup and restore.
MacRumors reports that AT&T has begun unlocking iPhones for American military personnel, even if their phones are still under contract. The policy appears to be a goodwill decision on AT&T's part, as federal law mandates only that wireless operators suspend service for deployed service members.
AppleInsider has reached out to AT&T for confirmation of the new policy, but it has yet to hear back from the company.
Branches of the military have been looking into using the iPhone and other smartphones for their soldiers and other personnel. Last month, the U.S. Army released an app marketplace with 12 mobile training applications for iOS.
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Comments
OThe company stipulates that customer accounts must be in good standing, not be associated with a current and active term commitment and fulfilled their contract term, upgraded or paid an early termination fee.
???
If they are any of these, then they are out of contract.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygree...hone-wiretaps/
Just called customer service and they said to call Apple (the usual infinite loop). I'd like to see someone post who actually got an official AT&T unlock....
Get their name, report them to their supervisor for blatant lies. Simple!
I'm stationed in Afghanistan now. This would be great if it were true, but I called AT&T and was informed they do not have any special unlock policy for deployed military members. The only special policy they have for deployed military is contract suspension without incurring early termination fee (which is required by Federal law).
Here is my tip for those attempting to do the same:
Call customer service line (800) 331-0500 at the recording enter your cell phone number. Then wait for the tech support prompt instead of the general customer service prompt. This way you speak to someone from AT&T in the states and not a foreign rep from India.
Hit 0 to speak to an operator. Have your phone info ready ( IMEI ) number and last four digits of your social. I suggest not calling on your iPhone. You will be on hold a lot so use a landline with speaker phone and get your case number written down. You must have completed your 2-year contract, account in good standing and have purchased the iPhone from AT&T. The process takes about 1-2 weeks so they will give you a date to expect the unlock info notification. Give them two email addresses in case. write down your case number and keep it handy in case you need to call back and inquire about the unlock.
I told them I was going on a trip to Europe so I needed the unlock.Obviously I wouldn't suggest telling them you are switching to T-Mobile if that is your intention. If you get the unlock email, you just backup the phone in ITunes and restore to factory specs. The unlock will be listed. Then just reinstall your apps. Good luck.
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