What's the go with unlocking phones now!?

[bloodhound31]

My friend bought a prepaid Telstra phone from Woolies for $60.

When he got home and went to put his SIM card in it (existing plan) the phone indicated it was locked. Upon further contact with Telstra he found out it was going to cost him a further $50 to unlock the phone!!!!!

WHAT THE..?

Apparently you can go to bodgy websites and pay $5 for a code to enter to unlock then you wait two days and it unlocks. Again... WHAT THE...?

I've bought prepaid phones from all over before and all I ever did was just chuck my SIM in and away it goes.

I just had a look on EBAY for a Samsung Galaxy and I see at first glance, there are heaps of phoned being sold as, UNLOCKED".

I don't get it. Anyone care to enlighten me? Is this a new thing? Is it legal? Seems very unfair to buy a prepaid phone then have to pay more once you get it home. :screwy:

Baz.

[Larryp]

I always just buy a Telstra prepaid phone and put my own Telstra sim card in it-works fine. Probably wouldn't work with another network's sim card though.

[bloodhound31]

But why not? Surely the idea of a pre-paid phone is buying the electronic device (handset) outright because you already have a plan and SIM?

It just doesn't make any sense to me. :screwy:

[Larryp]

The price of a prepaid phone is cheaper than buying it outright-at least that's my experience. And since the mobile network is subsidising the cost of the phone because they are going to get your business, they lock the phone to prevent you using it on another network.

[noeyedeer]

you need to buy an outright phone if you plan to use another SIM other than the one that's purchased in a prepaid format.

it's gone on for as long as phones have been around. if you buy a prepaid Telstra phone and you have a Vodafone SIM it won't work unless you unlock it.

you should buy a prepaid phone for your SIM, eg .. if you have an optarse SIM card you need to buy an optarse prepaid phone ..etc

like Laurie said, that's how it is ...
matt

[bloodhound31]

I see. Well it sucks. :bashcomp:

My poor friend wasn't told any of this when he bought the phone.

[noeyedeer]

I think after 2 years you can get it unlocked for free.. or it automatically is unlocked

[noeyedeer]

get ya friend to take it back ... :)

[Stardrifter_WA]

Even with the cost of unlocking from that network, it is still probably cheaper than buying an unlocked phone. I am just guessing here, based on the price I have had to pay for unlocked phones in the past.

Cheers Pete

[noeyedeer]

I agree. depends on the phone thou. I wouldn't pay x amount for a phone that's worth sfa... eg a cheap smart phone

[tlgerdes]

The question is, did your friend ask if they could put another carriers SIM into the phone?

As stated elsewhere, pre-paid doesn't mean no obligation. Carriers are still subsidizing the phones, that is why it it is a Telstra, Optus, Vodafone etc, pre-paid. When you buy it, it states in the bill of sale that it is for use only on that carriers network and that unlocking fees may or may not apply (varies from carrier to carrier). They are locked because it pre-paid, they still need you to spend money with them. Post paid contract phones aren't locked as you have a 12 or 24 month contract which locks you to using the carrier anyway.

[bloodhound31]

He was told he could put any SIM he wanted in it. He wasn't told the phone was locked or that he would be charged to unlock it. There is nothing stating this on the box either.

[tlgerdes]

Then he unequivocally has the right to refund as the product is not as described.

[Kevnool]

Google knows all.

Cheers

[GeoffW1]

Agree. The sales assistant did not know what s/he was talking about, but the outcome is unchanged.

Cheers

[Forgey]

My husband has a telstra pre paid phone and it clearly states it on the box that it is locked to the telstra network.