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Cell phone unlocking - legal?

 
technoidiot
User ID: 40572768
United States
06/17/2013 11:09 PM
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Cell phone unlocking - legal?
I know there is a bill (H.R.1892) that would legalize unlocking cell phones. However, it does not appear to have passed yet.

So, does anyone know if it is currently legal or illegal to unlock a cell phone?

Thanks.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41150070
Canada
06/17/2013 11:11 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Soon to be in Canada yes! Very soon (next fall)
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 40572768
United States
06/17/2013 11:12 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Rereading, perhaps a better question to ask is, are there currently any circumstances in which it is legal to unlock a cell phone?
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 40572768
United States
06/17/2013 11:12 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Soon to be in Canada yes! Very soon (next fall)
 Quoting: Korats01


Thanks. What about the U.S.?
Dapurps

User ID: 26419702
Canada
06/17/2013 11:15 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Soon to be in Canada yes! Very soon (next fall)
 Quoting: Korats01


Soon? I took my phone I bought from eBay to rogers and the guy unlocked it for me. It was illegal what he did?
"What you perceive to be becomes your reality."

:ftwpanda:

dapurps
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41150070
Canada
06/17/2013 11:16 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
They suppose to able us (canada) to allow it..
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41150070
Canada
06/17/2013 11:17 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Soon to be in Canada yes! Very soon (next fall)
 Quoting: Korats01


Soon? I took my phone I bought from eBay to rogers and the guy unlocked it for me. It was illegal what he did?
 Quoting: Dapurps


Love this animated gif thx!! :) karma for you
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 956069
Canada
06/17/2013 11:18 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 956069
Canada
06/17/2013 11:32 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and and then use on a network in a way that is prohibited.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069



Fixed my last sentence. F'en legalize.
Lazy_Dog

User ID: 38590781
United States
06/17/2013 11:47 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It is not law yet but there is nothing illegal about it really. It has become common practice.

The laws regarding it are more for cloning a phone than switching carries.

Last Edited by Lazy_Dog on 06/17/2013 11:48 PM
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 39671447
Canada
06/17/2013 11:53 PM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
I heard its illegal in the communist states of America
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 12147456
United States
06/18/2013 12:06 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
I know there is a bill (H.R.1892) that would legalize So, does anyone know if it is currently legal or illegal to unlock a cell phone?

Thanks.
 Quoting: technoidiot 40572768


it's illegal, so don't even try it. you have to throw it away and buy a new one
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1120759
Canada
06/18/2013 12:24 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
I know there is a bill (H.R.1892) that would legalize So, does anyone know if it is currently legal or illegal to unlock a cell phone?

Thanks.
 Quoting: technoidiot 40572768


it's illegal, so don't even try it. you have to throw it away and buy a new one
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 12147456


stfu

bsmeter2propoganda
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41843634
United States
06/18/2013 12:42 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
As of October 2012 it is illegal in the US but I still see plenty of people advertising that they will unlock your phone for money even though it is now considered a crime.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41843634
United States
06/18/2013 12:46 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


It is not law yet but there is nothing illegal about it really. It has become common practice.

The laws regarding it are more for cloning a phone than switching carries.
 Quoting: Lazy_Dog

You might want to actually check the law instead of just spouting stuff off out of your head. It is in fact now illegal.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 40612780
United States
06/18/2013 02:55 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


They throttle my bandwidth if I tether my computer to my phone, I got unlimited data, I can surf all I want on my phone but not my computer connected through my phone!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1141064
Canada
06/18/2013 03:03 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


It is not law yet but there is nothing illegal about it really. It has become common practice.

The laws regarding it are more for cloning a phone than switching carries.
 Quoting: Lazy_Dog

You might want to actually check the law instead of just spouting stuff off out of your head. It is in fact now illegal.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 41843634


Your funny. The only laws that are actually laws are the ones that are enforced. Million of people have unlocked their phones and businesses and individuals openly advertise that they will unlock them for you.

You keep clinging to that "law" that is openly ignored though.

This is why they are now talking about legalizing it. It's unenforceable and really unethical.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 30536869
France
06/18/2013 03:09 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1141064
Canada
06/18/2013 03:13 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


They throttle my bandwidth if I tether my computer to my phone, I got unlimited data, I can surf all I want on my phone but not my computer connected through my phone!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40612780


It has to do with the kind of phone you are using, who the carrier is and how much bandwidth you use when tethering.

Some people never get noticed because they stay within their plans limits.

From what i've been told if its not the software on your phone tipping them off (hence the reason for the jail breaking and rooting) It is because of the amount of bandwidth being used or because the mac address of your computer is different from that of your cell phone.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:18 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
How the fuck can it be "illegal" lmao
Weirdo Americans think downloading movies is illegal when its not.....
So then smashing the phone, shoving it up your arse, flushing it down the toilet is also illegal?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1141064
Canada
06/18/2013 03:18 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30536869


Kind of. As stated earlier its your phone, you can mod it if you want. They typically warn you and then drop you as a customer if you get caught again. Not exactly world shattering consequences. Also it doesnt effect your ability to turn around and get a new carrier right away. Some companies just cut your speed down when they realize you are using it outside of the terms of service. They dont even call you or complain about it.

It's a silly law they cant really enforce so people are finding ways around it.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:20 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Rereading, perhaps a better question to ask is, are there currently any circumstances in which it is legal to unlock a cell phone?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40572768


Its perfectly legal you idiot they can sue you if they care but as if they will sue you for such a small thing or even know you did it.
Give me a break.....
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1141064
Canada
06/18/2013 03:21 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
How the fuck can it be "illegal" lmao
Weirdo Americans think downloading movies is illegal when its not.....
So then smashing the phone, shoving it up your arse, flushing it down the toilet is also illegal?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 41292121


Nah man its just more corporate propaganda. It's ignored by millions of people.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:21 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30536869


Kind of. As stated earlier its your phone, you can mod it if you want. They typically warn you and then drop you as a customer if you get caught again. Not exactly world shattering consequences. Also it doesnt effect your ability to turn around and get a new carrier right away. Some companies just cut your speed down when they realize you are using it outside of the terms of service. They dont even call you or complain about it.

It's a silly law they cant really enforce so people are finding ways around it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


They can't "catch you", just d/c from their service unlock it and use another.
Its your phone you fucking paid for it.
Sir Phydeau

User ID: 22271457
United States
06/18/2013 03:22 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
As far as I know it is not illegal in the US. I got my phone factory unlocked a couple of months ago. It was unlocked through legal channels via the manufacturer.

$15 spent increased the resale value of my phone by around $150.

Now as for using a jailbreak method through software, I don't know if it is or not ... but why would anyone want to go that route? The moment you update your software the unlock is gone and has to be reapplied.

Factory unlock is permanent and through the manufacturer ... can't see how that would be illegal.
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:22 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30536869


Kind of. As stated earlier its your phone, you can mod it if you want. They typically warn you and then drop you as a customer if you get caught again. Not exactly world shattering consequences. Also it doesnt effect your ability to turn around and get a new carrier right away. Some companies just cut your speed down when they realize you are using it outside of the terms of service. They dont even call you or complain about it.

It's a silly law they cant really enforce so people are finding ways around it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


Its not a "criminal" law the police can charge you with, it just gives them the provision to seek compensation from you which would be pointless and they would never do it.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 40612780
United States
06/18/2013 03:24 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


They throttle my bandwidth if I tether my computer to my phone, I got unlimited data, I can surf all I want on my phone but not my computer connected through my phone!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40612780


It has to do with the kind of phone you are using, who the carrier is and how much bandwidth you use when tethering.

Some people never get noticed because they stay within their plans limits.

From what i've been told if its not the software on your phone tipping them off (hence the reason for the jail breaking and rooting) It is because of the amount of bandwidth being used or because the mac address of your computer is different from that of your cell phone.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


So if I root my phone they won't "see" me?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:25 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
As far as I know it is not illegal in the US. I got my phone factory unlocked a couple of months ago. It was unlocked through legal channels via the manufacturer.

$15 spent increased the resale value of my phone by around $150.

Now as for using a jailbreak method through software, I don't know if it is or not ... but why would anyone want to go that route? The moment you update your software the unlock is gone and has to be reapplied.

Factory unlock is permanent and through the manufacturer ... can't see how that would be illegal.
 Quoting: Sir Phydeau


Yeah but there is a time limit the carrier can only unlock it this is a contract with the manufacturer.
But there is ways to unlock it yourself and just use it with another service no one cares.
The law was designed to bring down the cost of cell phones so it was actually a good thing now its stupid.
Its more of a deterrent.
But its not criminal they could just take you to court to get money but they never have to anyone.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:26 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
It's legal-ish.

The phone is yours, you can do what you want with it.

The network is theirs, they have some say as to how you use it. It has more to do with using the network in a way that they cant monitor and charge you for than it does with the phone.

Now all they do is block your access to the network worse case scenario wise, often you get a warning first.

That being said millions have done it, including me.

It is not currently legal for you to do and still use on a network that prohibits it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 956069


They throttle my bandwidth if I tether my computer to my phone, I got unlimited data, I can surf all I want on my phone but not my computer connected through my phone!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40612780


It has to do with the kind of phone you are using, who the carrier is and how much bandwidth you use when tethering.

Some people never get noticed because they stay within their plans limits.

From what i've been told if its not the software on your phone tipping them off (hence the reason for the jail breaking and rooting) It is because of the amount of bandwidth being used or because the mac address of your computer is different from that of your cell phone.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


So if I root my phone they won't "see" me?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40612780


Just reload a custom rooted ROM.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1141064
Canada
06/18/2013 03:32 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30536869


Kind of. As stated earlier its your phone, you can mod it if you want. They typically warn you and then drop you as a customer if you get caught again. Not exactly world shattering consequences. Also it doesnt effect your ability to turn around and get a new carrier right away. Some companies just cut your speed down when they realize you are using it outside of the terms of service. They dont even call you or complain about it.

It's a silly law they cant really enforce so people are finding ways around it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


They can't "catch you", just d/c from their service unlock it and use another.
Its your phone you fucking paid for it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 41292121


I know bro, i'm rooted. Not everyone can just do it themselves though and some people want to keep their current service so they have to mask their signal until the contract is up.

I dont know why anyone bothers anymore though. Pre-paid unlimited is cheap and streams video like a champ.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 41292121
Australia
06/18/2013 03:37 AM
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Re: Cell phone unlocking - legal?
Well it's illegal only if you get caught
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30536869


Kind of. As stated earlier its your phone, you can mod it if you want. They typically warn you and then drop you as a customer if you get caught again. Not exactly world shattering consequences. Also it doesnt effect your ability to turn around and get a new carrier right away. Some companies just cut your speed down when they realize you are using it outside of the terms of service. They dont even call you or complain about it.

It's a silly law they cant really enforce so people are finding ways around it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


They can't "catch you", just d/c from their service unlock it and use another.
Its your phone you fucking paid for it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 41292121


I know bro, i'm rooted. Not everyone can just do it themselves though and some people want to keep their current service so they have to mask their signal until the contract is up.

I dont know why anyone bothers anymore though. Pre-paid unlimited is cheap and streams video like a champ.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1141064


Depending on the phone model anyway, even totally wiping it and reloading a new ROM, will not unlock it from the carrier.
Requires special software one can find if they search a bit.
And I agree, contracts are for fools.
I use prepaid for gasbagging(talking long on the phone).
And with that I get free internet video streaming anyway.
And have an account for my business which I just get a bill.
2 different carriers mind you, because only 1 the business one gets the good coverage everywhere.
And I just monitor and watch how I use the account one so I don't get a retarded bill.





GLP