Nokia 1100

[kendor]

Surprised that the mods don't step in here as the practice of unlocking became an illegal act some time back .
Yo Ho Yo Ho a pirates life for me.

Unlocking a mobile to any network is not illegal, changing the IMEI number is.

Salem.

I believe it became illegal to not have it done except through an authorised dealer.

 

[kendor]

I stated that i believe above as i can't remember where i read it was so, have a look here meantime it states check with your net5work for country legalities, but i'm pretty certain britain was one of the countries where it is illegal.
http://www.gsm-software.net/unlockinfaq.php

 

[salem2000]

The law you refer to made it illegal to own software which was capable of changing the IMEI number on the phone, as this would enable stolen mobiles to be given a new identity and therefore be reused.

Mobile Operators now share a list of stolen IMEI numbers, and as the phone uses this in the code when accessing a network, a number listed as stolen can be locked out of the network. however if the IMEI is changed the phone can be used and/of cloned.

Salem.

 

[kendor]

check the link above as i was in the middle of editing when you replied

 

[kendor]

agree with the IMEI numbers bit, but the unlocking to allow another network was also incorpporated i believe by suggesting it was altering the software and copyright issues etc.

 

[salem2000]

Hi kendor,

Did see the link, this UK site may help Click.

Salem.

 

[salem2000]

agree with the IMEI numbers bit, but the unlocking to allow another network was also incorpporated i believe by suggesting it was altering the software and copyright issues etc.

If that was the case, as soon as you changed the security code, changed settings or added any information to the phone sofware, would the same not apply

Salem.

 

[kendor]

agree with the IMEI numbers bit, but the unlocking to allow another network was also incorpporated i believe by suggesting it was altering the software and copyright issues etc.

If that was the case, as soon as you changed the security code, changed settings or added any information to the phone sofware, would the same not apply

Salem.

Agreed it's one of those grey areas where advice is best seeked first to cover oneself.
Referring to your link it doesn't make clear about the unlocking being done by authorised dealers, it's this which i remember was the lynchpin of the act again i can't be precise without finding out where i read it but perhaps someone may have heard or read the same?

 

[salem2000]

At the moment anyone can buy and use un-lock software online and mail-order legally in the UK, although this may change at some point in the future.

Salem.

 

[kendor]

At the moment anyone can buy and use un-lock software online and mail-order legally in the UK, although this may change at some point in the future.

Salem.

ok salem , i'll give you the benefit of the doubt on this one but if i can find the report sometime in the future i'll post it here.

 

[salem2000]

Thats cool, wasn't trying to have the last word, just one of the boring things I looked into.

If you find the report I would like to read it.

Thanks kendor.

Salem.

 

[kendor]

It may well be that the rules changed after an outcry and the law is as you state now? i must admit it's some time now since i read about it hence the problem in trying to find it

 

[kendor]

http://www.mobile-phone-directory.org/Advice_Centre/Phone_unlocking/Is_phone_unlocking_illegal.html
I must concede that i was wrong after trying to search for original report as most searches now suggest otherwise as above, it could be that what i read was an interim report making suggestions as to the impending legislation?

 

[Damocles]

I read that in some countries it is in fact illegal for a network to lock a phone.

 

[salem2000]

I read that in some countries it is in fact illegal for a network to lock a phone.

I believe in the USA the view is that it's your property and as such these restrictions are only allowed if agreed to when you purchase the product.

Does anyone else have any info on this.

Salem.