Unless you’ve been avoiding the internet lately, you’ve no doubt heard a few details about that new law that makes unlocking your cell phone illegal. AT&T, in what was probably an attempt to avoid any negative PR, has attempted to clear up their device unlocking policy. In theory, it’s a good move, as it lets consumers know where their cell provider stands on device unlocking. Unfortunately, AT&T left a few details more than a little hazy.
AT&T’s VP of Federal Regulatory Joan Marsh released a statement about the company’s unlocking policy, stating “if we have the unlock code or can reasonably get it from the manufacturer, AT&T currently will unlock a device for any customer whose account has been active for at least sixty days; whose account is in good standing and has no unpaid balance; and who has fulfilled his or her service agreement commitment. If the conditions are met we will unlock up to five devices per account per year.”
So, cool, right? As long as I pay my bill, AT&T will unlock my device! Theoretically, yes, but there are a few ifs in that statement. If AT&T has the unlock code for your specific device, you’ll be fine. Otherwise… good luck. “Being in good standing” is also decided at AT&T’s discretion. You’ll at least have to have no unpaid balance on your bill and will have to have completed your two year service agreement, but there’s no clear definition if there’s anything else to that. Hopefully we’ll see AT&T clear some of this up in the future.
source: AT&T
via: Engadget
Come comment on this article: AT&T (vaguely) elaborates on their device unlocking policy