Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_S
Obviously, since it was the carrier that got shafted. And, I am not arguing, but just making a statement of facts as I have seen them.
BTW, I happen to be in "the rest of the world" and I have never bought a SIM locked phone because I don't do carrier contracts, and have always used pre-pay service.
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The best theory I've read on the unlocking is that Verizon was not permitted to lock the phone to comply with the conditions they agreed to when they obtained some additional LTE spectrum:
Quote:
Verizon iPhone 5's must be unlocked! - FCC
I've been reading up on the open access provisions in regards to the C-Block of 700 mhz LTE spectrum. There is a very specific line saying that a licensee(Verizon) cannot configure devices to be locked against use on another network. This means that Verizon would be violating Federal law if the iPhone 5's sim slot is even partially locked. Unlike on the iPhone 4S - these regulations mean that Verizon must even allow an AT&T sim card to be used in any Verizon iPhone 5.
The relevant law is found here in the Code of Federal Regulations
Title 47 - Telecommunication. CHAPTER I - FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED). SUBCHAPTER B - COMMON CARRIER SERVICES. PART 27 - MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. Subpart B - Applications and Licenses. § 27.16Network access requirements for Block C in the 746-757 and 776-787 MHz bands.
Take a look at this : (e) Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks.
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From here:
http://www.howardforum.com/showthrea...-unlocked!-FCC