O2 does not unlock iPhone 5 even if it was not bought from O2!

[Anonymous]

I bought my iphone 5 from Carphone warehouse on it's release, it was supposed to be SIM FREE, little did I know it gets locked to the first SIM that is inserted in to the phone.

After my contract ran out with O2, now with the ability to shop around, O2 refuses to unlock my phone, while in the same time refuse to match any offers on other networks for contract renewal.

I think this anti compeitive, espically 6 months after it's release, with iPhone 5 in pentful supply. All other networks now freely allow their phone to be unlocked, with O2 refuses to do so, even though I did not buy my iPhone from them in the first place!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have just had a conversation with a "Live Chat" advisor and the advice differs from yours !

You will note on this forum that we suggest people do not use this facility.

Here is the transcript.

info: Welcome to O2. A Guru will be with you soon.      
info: You're through to Guru O2 - Richa.    
O2 - Richa: Hi I'm O2 - Richa. How can I help?
O2 - Richa: 
lee : Good Afternoon Richa. Are you well ?
O2 - Richa: Good Afternoon, Lee:)
O2 - Richa: Yeah, I'm very well.
O2 - Richa: How's you doing ?
lee : My question is in relation to Apples iPhone 5.
O2 - Richa: Yes Please.
lee : I'm fully aware that at present the iphone 5 purchased from 02 is currently locked out and is not currently being unlocked for pay monthly or pay as you go customers. My question is : Is this still due to high demand of the handset or Apples refusal to privovide unlocking solutions to the 02 Network at this time ?
O2 - Richa: I do Understand this, Lee.
O2 - Richa: But the Situation is still the same.
O2 - Richa: iPhone 5 are yet not unlocked from us. We can unlock phones up to iPhone 4S. 
O2 - Richa: I'm not sure by what time it will be available to get unlocked, but site will definitely be updated for the same.
O2 - Richa: 
lee : Please clarify. Is it 02's decision not to unlock OR Apples refusal to supply unlocking solutions ?
O2 - Richa: Lee, it's pending from our end. We're in process in developing the unlocking tool for iPhone 5. 
O2 - Richa: As soon as the tool is ready, we'll start unlocking iPhone 5.
lee : Thank you for clarifying this for me and I appreciate your time in explaining this to me.
O2 - Richa: And we'll update you through our website.
O2 - Richa: Thanks for your appreciation.
lee : Thank you
O2 - Richa: I feel glad to assist you.
O2 - Richa: Is there anything else I can help you with ?   
lee : No thank you for your assistance
O2 - Richa: Have a nice Easter
O2 - Richa: Its all my Pleasure, Lee.
lee : Cheers.
O2 - Richa: Cheers:)
O2 - Richa: Bye Bye:).   
lee : Take care
O2 - Richa: I really appreciate your time even in Easter.
O2 - Richa: You too.

[Anonymous]

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@MI5 wrote:
There is no logic to why O2 won't unlock.... Just like they won't roll out updates to windows, BB and android phones... complete mystery !!!!

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Hi MI5,

Yeah I agree like ive done in previous posts !

I remember when I had Nokia phones and it was the same situation. Nokia released updates but the network insisted on chopping and changing it to suit them before releasing it to their customers !

Another reason why I opted for the sim free version from CPW and got the global releases.

Thank heavens 02 are not permitted to do the same with iOS releases !!

[Anonymous]

Have just been on the phone to Apple who are very understanding. They have said if I have an issue with my sim free phone they will exchange the phone, and have sent out a returns bag.
Why didn't I do this earlier?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Have just been on the phone to Apple who are very understanding. They have said if I have an issue with my sim free phone they will exchange the phone, and have sent out a returns bag.
Why didn't I do this earlier?

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Apples Customer service is unrivaled in this sector.

I'm happy to hear they will sort this for you.

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Have just been on the phone to Apple who are very understanding. They have said if I have an issue with my sim free phone they will exchange the phone, and have sent out a returns bag.
Why didn't I do this earlier?

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Except that you do not have a sim free phone so apple will only replace like for like

[Anonymous]

Why do you say I don't have a sim free phone, when this is what was purchased?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Why do you say I don't have a sim free phone, when this is what was purchased?

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Where did you get your iphone from ?

[Anonymous]

If a phone is advertised as sim free, what difference does it make to place of purchase!
Sim free should mean sim free and not sim free with conditions attached.
Apple, O2 and CPW are all in this together to the detriment of the consumer. It stinks!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
If a phone is advertised as sim free, what difference does it make to place of purchase!
Sim free should mean sim free and not sim free with conditions attached.
Apple, O2 and CPW are all in this together to the detriment of the consumer. It stinks!

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Do I assume that you purchased / signed a contract for the handset from Carphone Warehouse ?

Although they charged the same amount as apple does for the true unlocked sim free iphone 5 they put disclaimers in the small print, very small print which is shady to say the least.

Example : 

Please note: iPhone will lock itself to the network of the first SIM card that is used in the phone. Subsequently attempting to use it on any other network, for example by replacing the SIM card, may mean it becomes permanently unusable. SIM free iPhones can only be used with a UK-network SIM card, and will not accept foreign SIM cards.

Apple will check on your serial number and replace it accordingly.

[Anonymous]

Yes the phone was purchased from CPW for £599 in cash on a sim free basis without a contract.The first sim to go in the phone belonged to talk mobile which wasn't recognised.
I then tried an O2 sim and this was recognised and the phone worked. I now find myself in an area where O2 coverage is not up to scratch (moved house) and decided to change network. Only to find my phone is locked and O2 refuse point blank to do anything about it. I find this situation unacceptable not to mention costly.
O2 are the only company that can unlock the phone according to Apple.
The editor of Which magazine is prepared to publish an article on the situation I find myself in.