You can't unlock an AT&T iPhone, but after your contract contract is done you can give it to another person who has an AT&T account. If they insert a GSM card [1] they can use the phone. I've gotten contradictory reports from AT&T, but it appears that under current policy if that GSM card does not have a data plan then the iPhone can be used without a data plan.
Of course that iPhone will then run up a large bill -- since it will inevitably do some network data transactions and they will be billed at very high rates. The current workaround is to pay $5/month for an AT&T plan that less you monitor a phone, limit data use, etc.
As of iOS4 though you can just turn off the data service on the phone ...
Of course that iPhone will then run up a large bill -- since it will inevitably do some network data transactions and they will be billed at very high rates. The current workaround is to pay $5/month for an AT&T plan that less you monitor a phone, limit data use, etc.
As of iOS4 though you can just turn off the data service on the phone ...
iOS 4 walkthrough | TiPb
... You can now choose to not only turn off 3G data or roaming data, but all cellular data...I think you can use the Parental Controls to lock settings so the user will not be able to turn cellular data back on. So I can give my old 3G to my son and he can use it as a phone and for texting, but will only have data services when he's on a WiFi. I won't have to pay $180/year for minimal 3G data services. Over two years that pays for my new phone.
[1] iPhone 4 uses a micro-SIM that is not compatible with SIMS from older phones. This does work for a 3G or 3GS.
Micro-SIM cards are actually compatible to 'standard' SIM cards, there is just less plastic around the chip. 'Standard' SIM cards can get converted into micro-SIM cards by cutting away most of the plastic around the chip, templates are available online.
ReplyDelete