AT&T employees were bribed to install phone unlocking malware on company network

Re:AT&T employees were bribed to install phone unlocking mal... by mikeash on Tuesday August 06, 2019 @03:12PM (#20628480)

Does the contract actually say you’re not allowed to unlock the phone? Or does it just say that you have to pay an ETF if you cancel early?

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Re:AT&T employees were bribed to install phone unlocking mal... by jdblair on Tuesday August 06, 2019 @03:17PM (#20628534)

I don't remember the exact wording, but the last time I had a subsidized phone (with T-Mobile) it was made clear to me that the phone could be unlocked after a period of time. The period was shorter than the contract period. T-Mobile even unlocked the phone for me before that time was expired when I explained that I was traveling to Europe and wanted to swap the SIM when abroad.

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Re:AT&T employees were bribed to install phone unlocking mal... by filoleg on Tuesday August 06, 2019 @04:09PM (#20629007)

>T-Mobile even unlocked the phone for me before that time was expired when I explained that I was traveling to Europe and wanted to swap the SIM when abroad.

Thanks for posting that, as I had no idea it was possible. I personally don't buy locked anymore, but last year that definitely would have saved me some trouble.

>it was made clear to me that the phone could be unlocked after a period of time. The period was shorter than the contract period.

I am with T-Mobile as well, and IIRC there are two main options for unlocking:

1. After you pay the price in full early.

2. After 18 months on a 24 months contract.

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