US iPhones and unlocking

Back when iPhone was first released there was a bunch of hullabaloo (yeah, that's right, hullabaloo) about buying one in the US and unlocking it.

This still possible? i.e. you can just get one on the Apple store at USD199 without signing up to a plan then unlock it?

According to my co-worker it takes 5 mins and google to do it.

Yeah but my brief look at the Apple site suggests you can only get one instore where you have to go through the contract sign-up process?

Where did you find this Iphone for sale again? Cause Apple website doesn't state any prices (from what I can see) and takes you to your local dealer, dependent where you're in the world.

I'm pretty sure they have a strict sales agreements with providers like Vodafone not to stock these in NZ through the Apple store.

If you can buy it and get it in your hands I can help you unlock it within a few minutes.

So what used to happen:
- Buy iPhone on Apple US website
- It gets delivered (to a friend in US)
- Don't activate with AT&T
- Run the unlock process
It looks to me like you can't just buy it online anymore though. You HAVE to go into Apple or AT&T store, where they'll force you into the AT&T signup/activation process.

If that's true, then no you can't get an iPhone out of the US anymore. But just wanted to know if the iPhone crowd knew more than me about it.

Yeah, not sure, sorry gdub. Looks like they've closed that channel.

Another reason for me to hate on Vodafone.

Why the fuck is that Vodafone's fault?

Basically, you're seriously deluded if you think your beloved Telecom would have started selling iPhone without an exclusivity deal, just like AT&T.

Well, the way I see it, is that Voda agreed to this deal so noone else can sell Iphone in NZ, therefore being able to charge whatever price they want.

Yup, deluded.

You know Apple controls pricing thru their official outlets very tightly right?

Before you start hating you should prob get your facts straight

heh, I will still be hating Q. I hate Voda with passion and I will be the first to admit it.

I had no idea it was the case kris.

http://www.iphone-hacks.com/downloads

use quick pawn possibly incorrect spelling format it's on the site above piece of piss

They can control prices through their own stores, but specifiying a price through Vodafone is illegal. Mind you they have other tools at their disposal to get what they want. From what I know they have less power over the telcos they've hooked up with now.