As of today, Americans can legally unlock their phones again - AT&T Galaxy Note 3 General

Hey everyone,
I stumbled across this tonight and the sentence below got my attention.
The bill will restore a copyright exemption that allows customers (or authorized third parties) to modify a phone's firmware, removing the restrictions that most carriers place on their phones.
As of today, Americans can legally unlock their phones again
http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/1/5959915/president-barack-obama-signing-phone-unlocking-bill
Would that mean that we should be allowed to get a bootloader unlock regarding what att supports and doesn't support?

That would be awesome. Now just gotta wait and see if the carriers and manufacturers actually follow through with this or will only follow through with it on New Devices and leave the older ones to rot.

Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders

NightHawkUndead said:
Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders
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I think you're right but when I read in the article all that stuff about unlocking more stuff more than just the Sim. That definitely got me interested to read this bill. They'll try to resist but who knows.

NightHawkUndead said:
Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders
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I thought the same thin until I saw this line, "The bill will restore a copyright exemption that allows customers (or authorized third parties) to modify a phone's firmware, removing the restrictions that most carriers place on their phones" Plus as it stands most carries will carrier unlock a phone after a year anyway. Or you can say hey I am going out of country and need this phone unlocked and they will usually do it if they have the ability to do so. Sometimes they say they can't carrier unlock them because they are too knew blah blah. Either way you can legally carrier unlock a phone anyway it's when you get into firmware modding that it say's you void your warranty so I am guessing this bill if all goes as it should would get rid of the void warranty to some extent.

I very much doubt that. It's for the regional lock that became "illegal" last year. It was all over the news. Now that the petition hit 100,000 vote they had to legalize it again. But hey I'd go with the bootloader unlock. Why not. Hell I'm smacking a cyanogenmod rom to my phone as soon as the bootloader is unlocked. Lol

This is for carrier region unlock only. Nothing more. It's the same unlock that WAS legal until over a year ago by the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) it passed Congress and you can now legally unlock your phone for other carriers. Doesn't have anything to do with bootloader. Your carrier may not unlock if still on contract but it's no longer illegal to go through a 3rd party if you need unlock for overseas travel (for instance) and need to use a different dim to avoid international rates through your regular carrier. It sounds good and all but won't apply to many who are under contract anyway or happy with their carrier. When unlocking a phone you are technically editing hardware so that's why the word firmware is used. It's "broad" form is all....legal jargon if you will.
Bootloader isn't happening as a result of this. But maybe someday it won't matter who knows.

Thread cleaned of political comments and profanity
And as others have said...this has nothing to do with bootloader..it is unlocking sim to other carriers or regions.
The carriers still have all rights to lock down phones from tampering.

Reported for a signed petition to take off "(Bootloader)" Lol.

Based on the fact that this is clearly NOT referring to the bootloader, and due to the inordinately large volume of mod action already needed on this tiny thread, I've deleted the "(Bootloader)" from the title. It is misleading and unnecessary.
Thanks & most certainly carry on discussing the good news about carrier unlocking that this is.

Yea bootloader will never ever happen... it was bogus that before this if you couldn't buy an unlock code and use your phone "legally".
Let's hope the carriers honor this and provide unlock codes without many hoops...

Related

Network Unlocking Your Streak

Just so you know here,
Ive just unlocked my Dell Streak with this website
http://www.unlockstreak.com/pages/download-dell-streak-unlock-software
Although they charge you $29 us , for me, it was worth it ,
Ive nothing to do with the site, but the emails they sent, although, weren't used as they weren't required, they offered a good technical backup
At the end of the day, you can pay by paypal, so, if everything goes up in the air, you can get your $29 back,
ROFL
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
Emission said:
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
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This may be true in most cases but for me it was not. After repeated attempts calling att and giving them the imei their computer ALWAYS came back with "UNLOCK CODE NOT FOUND". I had to pay because i didnt want to wait for my case to be resolved. Ive gotten unlock code multiple times from att for my previous phone with no issue till i got the streak.
got my code in 2 days via e-mail from at&t
Emission said:
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
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I woulda seriously considered paying $50-100 for a true unlock for my iphone 3g around when i purchased it, At&t wont unlock it period and you have to jailbreak + ultrasnow.
The real issue is that no american carrier is required to unlock any phone, just be glad you can get a code at all (excluding issues fast's). they could charge you for the code like other carriers elsewhere
TheManii said:
I woulda seriously considered paying $50-100 for a true unlock for my iphone 3g around when i purchased it, At&t wont unlock it period and you have to jailbreak + ultrasnow.
The real issue is that no american carrier is required to unlock any phone, just be glad you can get a code at all (excluding issues fast's). they could charge you for the code like other carriers elsewhere
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The American cell phone carriers settled a lawsuit on this. I believe that as part of the settlement is that AT&T gives unlock codes to their customers who meet certain criteria. If you call and don't meet the criteria then you've only wasted a phone call. If you buy an unlock code that does not work (which happens many times) you are out the cost. So - American carriers are required, in certain circumstances, to give you the unlock code.
If you are buying a phone from an AT&T customer have the original purchaser get the code. One thing they require is proof of legitimate ownership and it's easier for the original buyer to do this. Another requirement is that you are an AT&T customer, if you are buying a phone to use on another network you may not meet this requirement, but the original buyer will.
Historically AT&T has been pretty lenient with long term customers who ask for unlock codes for travel purposes.
I've asked about unlocking iphones when i called to unlock my streak (twice mind you) and they still wont unlock them as of jan. I bought the phone straight from them and it's contract has run though and ended.
If they do unlock them than it's definitely not though the obvious call at&t and ask for unlock code.
That and iphones dont get unlock codes per-say, they're unlocked though itunes and at&t needs to authorize it with apple or something. So either apple+at&t is an exception or it might be a case of "strongly recommend but not required for all"

Carrier policies, any insiders

Gonna try and make this short and try and not get attacked or flamed.
I've done retail and sales, managed many big retail stores and even been a district manager.
In my business, you buy something, you own it, it's yours to do whatever you want. Also, there is a return policy and depending on the issue policy can be bent in a put out the fire situation.
The phone business is not like this and I don't understand. If I buy a phone, it is mine, I own therefore why couldn't I do what I wanted. I should be able to wipe my butt with it if I wanted to.
So why do carriers treat it differently. They have the policy about rooting, so why not let the buyer do it, take the risk, and just enforce the policy.
Especially considering we buy it, it's ours and we should be able to do what we want with things we own. Just my opinion because it is retail sales which I know like the back of my hand, but the mobile side of it baffles me.
Anybody an employee or former employee who can explain why mobile phones is one of the only things you can buy but never feel like you completely own it.
Just seems not right coming from years in retail with many many companies.
The problem lies in the warranty and being able to take advantages of services without paying.
Instance 1: A noob roots their phone, bricks it, and doesn't know how to get it back to normal. They call Verizon and say their phone just died. Verizon has to spend time and money sending a replacement.
Instance 2: We have unlimited. We root and unlock free tethering. They lose on "potential" revenues. (Although we do have foxfi on the play store, but its still slow as it goes through a vpn.
I do agree that we should have full control of our devices though. Unfortunately, we can only make changes with out dollars.
Yeah I can see that but as far as warranty they will check for root so that shouldn't be a factor. I'm sure at this point that is the first thing they check.
They have to know that tethering can be exploited either way.
And my understanding is they don't care and don't make money on the phones but their service charges.
I would encourage people to root if I were them because if they did it right they would make more profit because they wouldn't have to spend money to fix it forcing buyers to have no choice but buy another.
I know it will not change but as a person familiar with making money in retail they could increase revenu .
Not counting with them having for the most part the best service and networks thousands of people would flock there to get an unlocked verizon phone.
Busines wise, if done properly they would make a killing changing their stance
sprintuser1977 said:
Yeah I can see that but as far as warranty they will check for root so that shouldn't be a factor. I'm sure at this point that is the first thing they check.
They have to know that tethering can be exploited either way.
And my understanding is they don't care and don't make money on the phones but their service charges.
I would encourage people to root if I were them because if they did it right they would make more profit because they wouldn't have to spend money to fix it forcing buyers to have no choice but buy another.
I know it will not change but as a person familiar with making money in retail they could increase revenu .
Not counting with them having for the most part the best service and networks thousands of people would flock there to get an unlocked verizon phone.
Busines wise, if done properly they would make a killing changing their stance
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Although i agree with everything that was said by you, the people calling the shots are probably way too old to understand that there's always a way through everything (for example root in order to get free hot spot working). The other problem is i would assume is that they can't always prove a phone was rooted. Let's say someone was trying to flash a custom rom and accidentally flashed the system leaving only the boot recovery present with no OS and they didn't know how to Odin back to stock, Verizon can't prove that the phone was rooted. For all they know maybe the user was performing an update and something happened.
Whatever the case... I wish we had full access over our devices :crying:
sprintuser1977 said:
Gonna try and make this short and try and not get attacked or flamed.
I've done retail and sales, managed many big retail stores and even been a district manager.
In my business, you buy something, you own it, it's yours to do whatever you want. Also, there is a return policy and depending on the issue policy can be bent in a put out the fire situation.
The phone business is not like this and I don't understand. If I buy a phone, it is mine, I own therefore why couldn't I do what I wanted. I should be able to wipe my butt with it if I wanted to.
So why do carriers treat it differently. They have the policy about rooting, so why not let the buyer do it, take the risk, and just enforce the policy.
Especially considering we buy it, it's ours and we should be able to do what we want with things we own. Just my opinion because it is retail sales which I know like the back of my hand, but the mobile side of it baffles me.
Anybody an employee or former employee who can explain why mobile phones is one of the only things you can buy but never feel like you completely own it.
Just seems not right coming from years in retail with many many companies.
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Click to collapse
You can do what you want with it...but you bought a device that is locked down to increase sales to the Enterprise and Military community. You have the option of buying a developer's edition. You can certainly wipe your butt with it as you mentioned. As for your inability to root it...that is not the carrier telling you what you can't do with it...that comes in voiding the warranty...but look at it as buying a television and not being able to make a transmitter out of it. Of course you could...but it would require a lot of work and knowledge and also void the warranty. Bootloaders have been broken before and root obtained...again...with a lot of work and knowledge. The device works as advertised when sold. If you choose to purchase a device from a carrier with a history of locking them down (S4, Note 3, S5 and now the S3 with it's updates) then you are choosing to support what they are selling. Now as it is a communications device and you are in the US, there are things you cannot do with it per Federal law as stated by the FCC. But that is a whole other can of worms.
dapimpinj said:
The problem lies in the warranty and being able to take advantages of services without paying.
Instance 1: A noob roots their phone, bricks it, and doesn't know how to get it back to normal. They call Verizon and say their phone just died. Verizon has to spend time and money sending a replacement.
Instance 2: We have unlimited. We root and unlock free tethering. They lose on "potential" revenues. (Although we do have foxfi on the play store, but its still slow as it goes through a vpn.
I do agree that we should have full control of our devices though. Unfortunately, we can only make changes with out dollars.
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Foxfi works pretty good for me. Going thru a vpn doesn't slow it down for me
my_handle said:
Foxfi works pretty good for me. Going thru a vpn doesn't slow it down for me
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Good to hear! It must have been my location. I get 5 bars of LTE at home. I'll try it there.
KennyG123 said:
You can do what you want with it...but you bought a device that is locked down to increase sales to the Enterprise and Military community. You have the option of buying a developer's edition. You can certainly wipe your butt with it as you mentioned. As for your inability to root it...that is not the carrier telling you what you can't do with it...that comes in voiding the warranty...but look at it as buying a television and not being able to make a transmitter out of it. Of course you could...but it would require a lot of work and knowledge and also void the warranty. Bootloaders have been broken before and root obtained...again...with a lot of work and knowledge. The device works as advertised when sold. If you choose to purchase a device from a carrier with a history of locking them down (S4, Note 3, S5 and now the S3 with it's updates) then you are choosing to support what they are selling. Now as it is a communications device and you are in the US, there are things you cannot do with it per Federal law as stated by the FCC. But that is a whole other can of worms.
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Please look up the Verizon Note 4 on Verizon, and show me where in describing the product it states the phone is locked and you can not edit certain things.
I may have missed it but I saw no where on the specifications or feature list where it says that? Only a person who is familiar with rooting or bootloaders and such would know.
As far as warranty, as I said, it's a policy and if I choose to break it that is my choice.
sprintuser1977 said:
Please look up the Verizon Note 4 on Verizon, and show me where in describing the product it states the phone is locked and you can not edit certain things.
I may have missed it but I saw no where on the specifications or feature list where it says that? Only a person who is familiar with rooting or bootloaders and such would know.
As far as warranty, as I said, it's a policy and if I choose to break it that is my choice.
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Not to sound obnoxious but please look up ANY phone and show me where it says that you can root it and it has an unlocked bootloader and you are welcome to change anything you want? You are not brand new...you know what Verizon has been doing for years. There is nothing stopping you from using the phone exactly as advertised in the manual and specifications. Rooting is not an approved use of the phone and offers an extreme security breach of the software..so why would any carrier endorse it or even need to mention if you could or couldn't. Anyone that has been around for more than a year, knows that is what the developer edition is for and should be grateful that Verizon even offers that option. Also knowing you are not brand new, you would know that less than 1% of Verizon customers even know what rooting is. You see the trend, you have choices yet you still chose to support Verizon.
The original point is being ignored.
Simply put if we buy something we should be able to do whatever we want with it.
All retail is like this except phones.
All the details and other miscellaneous stuff is besides the point.
I'm just saying if we own it, we should own it
sprintuser1977 said:
The original point is being ignored.
Simply put if we buy something we should be able to do whatever we want with it.
All retail is like this except phones.
All the details and other miscellaneous stuff is besides the point.
I'm just saying if we own it, we should own it
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Sorry, but I guess I am missing the point. What is it that you wish to do with this phone that you can do with say...a television, that is listed in the specifications and features of the product you purchased?
To think that executives of Verizon are oblivious to Rooting or custom roms, you are mistaken. Just because they are older does not mean they are dumb. Phones are locked down for one reason: reduce liability on Verizon.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------
KennyG123 said:
Sorry, but I guess I am missing the point. What is it that you wish to do with this phone that you can do with say...a television, that is listed in the specifications and features of the product you purchased?
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I like this. Phones are locked down to reduce liability and cost of fixing it. This is why companies like HTC will unlock your bootloader while voiding your warranty.
I can't explain it anymore simply, sorry. Here is how it could simply be done:
-I buy the phone
-I want to root the phone
-I call Verizon, tell them I want to root
-They inform me If I do, it voids the warranty and I'm out $700 if I break it
-Ok, i will take that risk
- Verizon notes the account of this, therefore no tricks on cheating the warranty policy and they unlock it
Obviously over simplified, but general idea is they should have a way For us to request it, Note it, and allow us to do it.
Anyway, regardless of how they do it I don't care, it's the fact you buy a 800 dollar phone, if I want to risk breaking it and losing $800, that should be OK as its my property.
Anyway, not going to try and get into a back and forth. I got people's take on it and that's good enough for me.
Thanks everyone for your input.
chriskader said:
To think that executives of Verizon are oblivious to Rooting or custom roms, you are mistaken. Just because they are older does not mean they are dumb. Phones are locked down for one reason: reduce liability on Verizon.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------
I like this. Phones are locked down to reduce liability and cost of fixing it. This is why companies like HTC will unlock your bootloader while voiding your warranty.
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No, Verizon chose to lock down the phones to get huge corporate and military contracts by showing their version of the phone is the most secure. Of course AT&T is also doing the same fighting for those contracts.
sprintuser1977 said:
I can't explain it anymore simply, sorry. Here is how it could simply be done:
-I buy the phone
-I want to root the phone
-I call Verizon, tell them I want to root
-They inform me If I do, it voids the warranty and I'm out $700 if I break it
-Ok, i will take that risk
- Verizon notes the account of this, therefore no tricks on cheating the warranty policy and they unlock it
Obviously over simplified, but general idea is they should have a way For us to request it, Note it, and allow us to do it.
Anyway, regardless of how they do it I don't care, it's the fact you buy a 800 dollar phone, if I want to risk breaking it and losing $800, that should be OK as its my property.
Anyway, not going to try and get into a back and forth. I got people's take on it and that's good enough for me.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand and there is a thread in one of the Verizon Sammy phones...Note 3 I think...where a member actually discussed with Verizon executive services the possibility of the same thing HTC did (on other carriers since Verizon locked that door too). I believe the thread is "How much would you pay for unlocking the bootloader" or something like that. He was going to get an idea of how much people would pay for this code direct from Verizon. I think the majority was $25 atm. At least he was pitching the idea to Verizon and they were hearing him out. Perhaps more can do the same?
I was just trying to say that I did not understand how the inability to root would make you feel like the phone was not yours. The PS3 systems if you play online are locked down exactly the same...you jailbreak it and you cannot get on the Playstation network to play online. So it is not just cell phones that do not allow you to do more than the manufacturer promised. I also was stating that you can certainly root and unlock it...if you had the knowledge to do so. I think we just misunderstood each other.
No biggie. I can understand all points of view and in no way was I trying to disregard or disrespect yours.
If it came across that way I apologize.
This is my first verizon phone (it was my only option due to several reasons) and I am amazed at how adamantly opposed to unlocking phones they are.
I've rooted over a dozen phones and this is the first one that I would like to root but it's good enough that if I can't I still love it
sprintuser1977 said:
I can't explain it anymore simply, sorry. Here is how it could simply be done:
-I buy the phone
-I want to root the phone
-I call Verizon, tell them I want to root
-They inform me If I do, it voids the warranty and I'm out $700 if I break it
-Ok, i will take that risk
- Verizon notes the account of this, therefore no tricks on cheating the warranty policy and they unlock it
Obviously over simplified, but general idea is they should have a way For us to request it, Note it, and allow us to do it.
Anyway, regardless of how they do it I don't care, it's the fact you buy a 800 dollar phone, if I want to risk breaking it and losing $800, that should be OK as its my property.
Anyway, not going to try and get into a back and forth. I got people's take on it and that's good enough for me.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could understand if you pay 800 but seriously of your gonna do that get dev edition as well most ppl get the phone subsidised for less then half of what the phone is woth off of contract so technically you don't own the phone as well you are right there is no where in the vzw policy that says rooting voids your warranty if you read all the rules but it is one of thoes unwritten policy's all companys go buy
jolly_roger_hook said:
I could understand if you pay 800 but seriously of your gonna do that get dev edition as well most ppl get the phone subsidised for less then half of what the phone is woth off of contract so technically you don't own the phone as well you are right there is no where in the vzw policy that says rooting voids your warranty if you read all the rules but it is one of thoes unwritten policy's all companys go buy
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That is one of the reasons also, the fact that many phones are subsidized through a carrier, and you really don't own them 100% unless you see the contract out to the end, or pay the ETF. I still agree that the customer should be able to buy out the contract, or void their warranty and accept liability themselves for the express purpose of obtaining an unlock code to root/ROM, etc... I think that Verizon may actually go this route some day, just not any time soon.
If I had the ability to not support Verizon and their tight locking policies, I would. But, like many other people, I'm in a region where the only reliable 4G LTE connection is Verizon and Verizon Alone. I had the unlocked Tmobile Note 3 on both Tmobile AND AT&T and my signal was horrible so I was basically forced into getting a Verizon phone for the stability.
I'd like to see the government step in and loosen the grip that carriers have on consumers, though that would mean the end of subsidized phone sales, and maybe the new edge, next programs as well. Tmobile has the right idea, but once they are the size of Verizon, I bet they tighten their rules too...
KennyG123 said:
No, Verizon chose to lock down the phones to get huge corporate and military contracts by showing their version of the phone is the most secure. Of course AT&T is also doing the same fighting for those contracts.
I understand and there is a thread in one of the Verizon Sammy phones...Note 3 I think...where a member actually discussed with Verizon executive services the possibility of the same thing HTC did (on other carriers since Verizon locked that door too). I believe the thread is "How much would you pay for unlocking the bootloader" or something like that. He was going to get an idea of how much people would pay for this code direct from Verizon. I think the majority was $25 atm. At least he was pitching the idea to Verizon and they were hearing him out. Perhaps more can do the same?
I was just trying to say that I did not understand how the inability to root would make you feel like the phone was not yours. The PS3 systems if you play online are locked down exactly the same...you jailbreak it and you cannot get on the Playstation network to play online. So it is not just cell phones that do not allow you to do more than the manufacturer promised. I also was stating that you can certainly root and unlock it...if you had the knowledge to do so. I think we just misunderstood each other.
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Click to collapse
I do not agree about contracts. Phones can be sold to the government that are locked down, KNOX EMM helps with this substantially.
The ability to unlock my bootloader, however, can be sold or marketed along side that. Phones can be wiped when the BL is unlocked officially (fastbootx, etc). Instead, the dev community is forced to find exploits, thus weakening the phones "secure market value". Official unlock that wipes phone or an unofficial exploit that puts all phones at risk? I would rather have the option to officially unlock and void my warranty. However, I understand the stance of some carriers and manufactures for locking it down. Reduce liability for busted phones.
Government agencies also encrypt phones and discipline unauthorized usage.
chriskader said:
I do not agree about contracts. Phones can be sold to the government that are locked down, KNOX EMM helps with this substantially.
The ability to unlock my bootloader, however, can be sold or marketed along side that. Phones can be wiped when the BL is unlocked officially (fastbootx, etc). Instead, the dev community is forced to find exploits, thus weakening the phones "secure market value". Official unlock that wipes phone or an unofficial exploit that puts all phones at risk? I would rather have the option to officially unlock and void my warranty. However, I understand the stance of some carriers and manufactures for locking it down. Reduce liability for busted phones.
Government agencies also encrypt phones and discipline unauthorized usage.
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Click to collapse
Since the community that roots their phones and actually breaks them and returns for warranty is probably in the neighborhood of 0.1% I doubt that has much impact on the decision of Verizon and AT&T to lock down the bootloader....if that was successfully the idea Sprint and T-Mobile would have done the same. I agree that for you Verizon users an alternative of paying to unlock your bootloader and listing the warranty as void would be a great offering...petition Verizon to consider that.
KennyG123 said:
Since the community that roots their phones and actually breaks them and returns for warranty is probably in the neighborhood of 0.1% I doubt that has much impact on the decision of Verizon and AT&T to lock down the bootloader....if that was successfully the idea Sprint and T-Mobile would have done the same. I agree that for you Verizon users an alternative of paying to unlock your bootloader and listing the warranty as void would be a great offering...petition Verizon to consider that.
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Click to collapse
The petition thing is a great idea , and as I also said they could easily implement a way to offer it and track it.
The biggest problem with this whole issue is education as you are right, most people are not aware of exactly the reasons of rooting, what it even means, what they are giving up with bloated and locked down phones, or anything related to just how much privacy they do not have. I have thrown out information to people on my Facebook page and they had no clue.
As far as starting a petition, that is something I have never done before.
Does anyone have a suggestion for starting one, where to start it, or any info at all?
I would definitely do it if someone will head me in the right direction

*ATT Unlock Available*

E: False alarm. ATT doesn't understand the difference between SIM and bootloader....
Finally. Some of you may have read through some posts or threads by me. The latest update by LG for this phone really irked me yesterday. The update installed without me choosing to, and now includes a persistent notification that can only be dismissed by having mobile data on. I had both ATT and LG on chat for almost two hours this morning trying to get some answers. So.
Without further ado, there is a way to unlock our bootloaders. I'm kind of surprised this hasn't already come up.
Prereqs
Devices must:
* Be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T network. (Questions? See Device unlock support. )
* Not be reported lost or stolen
* Not be involved with fraudulent activity
* Have all service commitments and installment plans completed and all early termination fees paid in full
* Not currently be active on a different AT&T customer’s account
You will need your IMEI. Go to the ATT unlock website here and submit your IMEI and case. They should get back to you within 72 hours with an unlock.
My device is currently on a plan, but I figure someone here has one paid off or is able to do so. I am willing to pay it off if someone wants to make headway in getting things going here.
falkon114 said:
E: False alarm. ATT doesn't understand the difference between SIM and bootloader....
Finally. Some of you may have read through some posts or threads by me. The latest update by LG for this phone really irked me yesterday. The update installed without me choosing to, and now includes a persistent notification that can only be dismissed by having mobile data on. I had both ATT and LG on chat for almost two hours this morning trying to get some answers. So.
Without further ado, there is a way to unlock our bootloaders. I'm kind of surprised this hasn't already come up.
Prereqs
Devices must:
* Be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T network. (Questions? See Device unlock support. )
* Not be reported lost or stolen
* Not be involved with fraudulent activity
* Have all service commitments and installment plans completed and all early termination fees paid in full
* Not currently be active on a different AT&T customer’s account
You will need your IMEI. Go to the ATT unlock website here and submit your IMEI and case. They should get back to you within 72 hours with an unlock.
My device is currently on a plan, but I figure someone here has one paid off or is able to do so. I am willing to pay it off if someone wants to make headway in getting things going here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to burst your bubble but that's Sim unlock not bootloader unlock. You might want to do a little research before posting something like this. AT&T has never & will never make it that easy to unlock the bootloader on any of their devices except Htc they are the only manufacturer that allows bootloader unlocking even AT&T versions.
Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk
krazyace35 said:
Sorry to burst your bubble but that's Sim unlock not bootloader unlock. You might want to do a little research before posting something like this. AT&T has never & will never make it that easy to unlock the bootloader on any of their devices except Htc they are the only manufacturer that allows bootloader unlocking even AT&T versions.
Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I updated my OP. Not very stoked on ATT nor LG at the moment. Sorry guys
falkon114 said:
E: False alarm. ATT doesn't understand the difference between SIM and bootloader....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did sorry but no, they do understand between SIM and bootloader unlock. In their unlocking page website (for many years) that they state to unlock phones (for out of contract phone) to use with other GSM carriers.
Only you are the one who do not understand at first LOL

Ask your carrier to let Samsung publish a bootloader unlock apk that voids warranty?

I am pretty sure it was an old Asus tablet I had where you could use the manufacturer's officially provided APK to unlock your bootloader--as long as you agreed such action officially voided your warranty. Samsung doesn't care if we unlock bootloaders, but carriers force Samsung to lock your bootloaders; this is very noticeable in the US. You probably already know that bootloader unlock is different than carrier unlock. Would you please ask your respective carrier to let Samsung publish an official bootloader unlock apk that voids your warranty? Really, only a fraction of customers would choose to do so, but it would be an incentive to choose a particular carrier that allowed bootloader unlocking! It would also be an incentive to choose a Samsung phone. Please request it via your carrier's respective account app or however you desire if you agree it's a good idea for Samsung, the carrier and the customer!
Samsung saves money from voided warranties. Samsung gets more people to buy their phones and also makes more money from sales.
Carriers provide an incentive for customers to choose them if they allow their firmware to cooperate with Samsung's bootloader unlock apk.
The customer benefits from a bootloader that they can freely choose to unlock if they choose a carrier who supports Samsung's bootloader unlock apk.
jhofseth said:
I am pretty sure it was an old Asus tablet I had where you could use the manufacturer's officially provided APK to unlock your bootloader--as long as you agreed such action officially voided your warranty. Samsung doesn't care if we unlock bootloaders, but carriers force Samsung to lock your bootloaders; this is very noticeable in the US. You probably already know that bootloader unlock is different than carrier unlock. Would you please ask your respective carrier to let Samsung publish an official bootloader unlock apk that voids your warranty? Really, only a fraction of customers would choose to do so, but it would be an incentive to choose a particular carrier that allowed bootloader unlocking! It would also be an incentive to choose a Samsung phone. Please request it via your carrier's respective account app or however you desire if you agree it's a good idea for Samsung, the carrier and the customer!
Samsung saves money from voided warranties. Samsung gets more people to buy their phones and also makes more money from sales.
Carriers provide an incentive for customers to choose them if they allow their firmware to cooperate with Samsung's bootloader unlock apk.
The customer benefits from a bootloader that they can freely choose to unlock if they choose a carrier who supports Samsung's bootloader unlock apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do this.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
I'll try that, who knows!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PETITION] Unlock Bootloader SM-N950U !

All of us Snapdragon Note 8 users know it's a long shot, but it's worth the try... Let your voice be heard and Samsung to surrender! Please take a minute to vote, all is appreciated!
https://www.change.org/p/samsung-un...m_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition
**UPDATE**
We're now over 100 signatures in! Thanks to all who have signed already! If you haven't already, a minute of your time would greatly be appreciated to sign the petition. Thanks to all Note 8 users!
I'm not a note 8 user but I know the frustration of not being able to unlock the fullness of a thousand dollar device. It's complete bull crap that Samsung will not allow it's users to modify there devices the way the consumers want. I think if we own a device then we should be allowed to void the damn warranty if we choose!!
That's why one of the best Sammy devs gave up Adam Outler was the man when it came to unlocking Sammie's bootloader's. I would love to see him try to crack this behemoth. Just imagine if Samsung would allow us to unlock the bootloader's just imagine how many more people would start buying Samsung smart phones again..Not to say Samsung needs more money but Samsung devices would take over the world. Just my opinion of course. Whats the reason for Samsung not allowing it's users to unlock?
Signed
Super_SU01 said:
Just imagine if Samsung would allow us to unlock the bootloader's just imagine how many more people would start buying Samsung smart phones again..Not to say Samsung needs more money but Samsung devices would take over the world. Just my opinion of course. Whats the reason for Samsung not allowing it's users to unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I signed the petition, but there's no way it will happen. We represent a fraction of a fraction of their customers. The difference in sales wouldn't even be noticed.
Locked down devices are demanded by many corporate clients and absolutely by government ones. My company alone equips approximately 5000 employees in the US alone with mobile devices and they wouldn't even look at devices that weren't completely locked down. And we're only one of many. I can't blame Sammie for doing what they do, but for the rest of us there are the geniuses that believe we should have access and that's why we're here.
A bounty would have a better chance of success. If I recall the VZW Note 4 bounty was close to $20k by the time it was finally unlocked. When it came out everyone thought for sure that its bootloader would never be unlocked too.
Dan Miller said:
I signed the petition, but there's no way it will happen. We represent a fraction of a fraction of their customers. The difference in sales wouldn't even be noticed.
Locked down devices are demanded by many corporate clients and absolutely by government ones. My company alone equips approximately 5000 employees in the US alone with mobile devices and they wouldn't even look at devices that weren't completely locked down. And we're only one of many. I can't b, America Sammie for doing what they do, but for the rest of us there are the geniuses that believe we should have access and that's why we're here.
A bounty would have a better chance of success. If I recall the VZW Note 4 bounty was close to $20k by the time it was finally unlocked. When it came out everyone thought for sure that its bootloader would never be unlocked too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir, I agree with everything you said. Look how long it took for the note 4 bootloader to get cracked. I got some really good news today about the snapdragon s8+. Apparently it's been out for about 3 days or so, but I have now on my device none other than Safestrap recovery, but it is limited to Nougant for now and I'm stoked. SS is a workaround just like on the note 3 and I'm happy with that. Now we can chill out a little and wait and be patient and maybe in the next year or 2 the BL can be unlocked. Did anyone end up getting the 20k bounty for unlocking the N4 BL?
Isn't it Verizon that's locked Bootloaders? Or Samsung also? But yeah, the Supreme court, a few years ago ruled an end user should be allowed to modify a device they own, with the knowledge that they're breaking the Warranty. I guess they left a loophole that allows companies to save us from ourselves
HipKat said:
Isn't it Verizon that's locked Bootloaders? Or Samsung also? But yeah, the Supreme court, a few years ago ruled an end user should be allowed to modify a device they own, with the knowledge that they're breaking the Warranty. I guess they left a loophole that allows companies to save us from ourselves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't blanket void the warranty by modifying the device. You void the warranty as far as the modifications you made, but it's against the law for a manufacturer to say, "Your screen is dead, but you unlocked your phone 6 months ago, so we won't honor the warranty on the screen which has nothing to do with an unlocked bootloader."
Lol
LMFAO. Another one of these threads.

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