iPhone5 lock

[Anonymous]

I'm currently tearing my hair out thanks to O2's policy of not unlocking the iPhone 5/their refusal to do it. I purchased my handset outright.

My question; where in their T&C's does it say they can do this? How are they able to do this when I own the handset?

[Anonymous]

There are no specific guidelines, ie. no defined time-frames. They're saying that applying ridged guidance to providers is less likely to help the consumer, but still have an expectation unlocking will occur, hence the policy at the top of the page.

Why is the first paper a topic for the future? You work with what is available, and despite technology moving forwards, the formal guidance a from the EU dates from 1996. It doesn't make it any less valid.

[version7point0]

Hi James.

I must admit I am on your side in part.

I can not possibly see how stock is an issue after so long and I have asked repeatedly over the last couple of weeks internaly for either a consideration of change of policy on this matter or at least an honest explanation as to why O2 are still not offering the service for iPhone 5's.

There is more than enough demand to warrant a change, lets just hope the decision changes soon.

[Anonymous]

Even if stock is an issue (and how can it be? O2 have handsets in stock and Apple have reduced the number they're manufacturing due to a lack of demand) they have no right to determine how I use a handset owned outright by me.

If they wish to impose a condition on subsidised handsets, I have no issue with that. The logic is obvious in those circumstances. Here I am the owner of the handset and should be able to do with it as I wish. It's unfair in terms of Competition (the service provider is not allowing me choice in where I receive my service, despite no obligation to stay).

The thing is, until now I've had nothing negative to say about O2. I've endorsed and recommended them previously. Now, I'll actively discourage people from doing business with them. Followers of mine on twitter are already saying that when contract renewal comes, they'll be leaving.

[adamtemp64 · Accepted solution]

If anybody feels agreived with this decision then why not follow the official complaints route to get this issue addressd by the company.

As we are basicly all customers here this is not the place to moan (for action to be taken).

Search complaints review service on the o2 support pages and raise the issue there.

[Anonymous]

I've already used the complaints 'chat' system to no avail. The staff there simply continued to reitterate that iphone 5's cannot be unlocked (they can, its simply a policy decision by O2). I've written to both the Complaints Review Service and to the Chief Exec Ronan Dunne.

[perksie]

Not much else you can do, I hope they listen as I would be a bit upset about this too.

I's a very good reason to not buy handsets from a network unless they're sold as "Sim free".

Personally I now only buy them that way in order not to get their update restrictions or their built in software.

Let us know how you get on.

[jonsie]

At one time, only P&G phones were network locked simply because the customer was already tied in to the 12/18/24 term of the contract. It seems there is only this issue with the iphone releases as far as I know. I can see the reasoning but like perksie, it would annoy the hell out of me.

[Anonymous]

If you paid full price and knew it was locked to o2 why didn't you buy it from an apple store sim free 

[Anonymous]

Damien, I had intended to buy it from Apple. I was in the queue outside the Birmingham store on release day but they ran out (27th September), so next best option was to visit O2.

Regardless of where I purchased it, since I own it outright, there is no subsidy or contract attached, I fail to see how O2 can justify stopping me using it as I wish, and question where in my T&C's I agreed to it.

There's also an issue in terms of competition. The practice essentially prevents a consumer from using the device as they like and forces them to use the handset with O2.

[Anonymous]

Fair comment and as there is no contract attached then yes I can see your point and think they should unlock it can only hope you get the right result