Bootloader - Put me out of my misery!

[Anonymous]

The more I think it through the more I confuse myself!

As you can see below I have an Xperia S which has a locked bootloader and is locked permanently with thanks to O2 sealing an agreement with Sony.

What I can't get my head around is, is why?

I know the reason is because O2 want you to remain locked to O2 firmware and bloatware and receive updates as and when THEY release them.

The thing that is confusing me is, is this the only reason they have locked the bootloader permanently?

Reason I ask this is because I have rooted my firmware and installed SuperUser and have now removed all the O2 bloatware and pre-installed apps that I don't use and installed a custom ROM, which is World Generic.

So, eventually, to my point.

I'm pretty sure now I can install updates as and when they are available as an ftf from XDA so I'm no longer locked to O2 updates as and when they see fit to release it. I can delete all the O2 bloatware that they see fit to bulge my phone with, So really apart from the fact I cannot install Custom Kernel what was the point of permanently locking the bootloader???

[MI5]

I think it's just designed to put you off and make life difficult.

[Anonymous]

The only other reason I suppose is, With the impending JB release for the Xperia S along with it I should imagine is a different Kernel which I can't flash due to locked bootloader. So therefore no JB until O2 release it to me.

But, I see another way around this. If say, Singapore get the update from Sony first, all I'd need to do is flash Singapore firmware and just await the update notification and that should install the Stock JB Kernel that way and then I can use whatever firmware I wanted after.

[MI5]

Yeah that may work....

[Anonymous]

Lol, so we're nowhere closer to solving my dilemma!

I'm gonna join the Samsung revolution next time around!

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I have the unfortunate combination of an O2 Xperia U, foolishly upgraded to ICS which appears to have a serious Wifi bug, and am stuck with a locked O2 bootloader stopping me from upgrading OR downgrading the OS.

An online O2 adviser just told me that a Sony service centre will (a) reinstall the previous OS and (2) unlock the bootloader.

Anyone else tried this route or am I likely to hit another dead end?

[MI5]

I wouldn't trust anything online chat tells you tbh, but it's gotta be worth a try. I guess they will have to unlock the bootloader to put ICS back on the phone so just hope they don't relock it again afterwards

[Anonymous]

Oh they checked with their supervisor and everything... 😉

If it works I'll let you know.

[MI5]

Please do tell us - They'll be a rush of phones wanting downgrading to ICS if it works

[Anonymous]

I'd be all over this if it works!!!!!