With the clock ticking toward the January 26th DMCA deadline for unlocked phones, T-Mobile has released a statement indicating their position. This is an unfortunate kink in T-Mobile’s “bring your own phone” campaign and one that will hopefully be rectified soon. Unfortunately, T-Mobile must adhere to the letter of the law and advises customers to contact the device manufacturer or AT&T directly to request the unlock code for any device they wish to use with a SIM card and T-Mobile Value Plan
Fingers crossed this ridiculous law only stays put until someone can wake up whoever thought this was a good idea.
Increasingly consumers are looking for choice and flexibility in the way they purchase wireless. They want the freedom to bring their own device without having to compromise on value, which is why we will continue to make it easy for consumers to bring unlocked, GSM-compatible devices to T-Mobile.
T-Mobile recommends customers contact the device manufacturer or AT&T directly to request the unlock code for their device. Customers would then purchase a SIM card, select a T-Mobile SIM card only Value plan that suits their needs and T-Mobile will help the customer configure their device for its network. T-Mobile offers step-by-step instructions at retail and on the T-Mobile customer support forums online.
For more information on T-Mobile’s Bring Your Own Phone program, visit: http://explore.t-mobile.com/
phone-sim-card#sim For information on T-Mobile’s SIM Subsidy Unlock Code policy, visit: http://support.t-mobile.com/
docs/DOC-1588 For more information regarding the new DMCA exemption rules, please contact CTIA at ctiamedrel@ctia.org