I’ve been running some tests on an iPhone – typical user type applications, and will document my various experiences as they arise.
The first operation to attempt was unlocking the iPhone from an original network so that it could be used on any mobile network (Virginmobile in my case). Locking a phone to a specific network is not limited to the iPhone – it has been done in the past to other handsets, depending on the deal being offered.
Costs will vary from carrier to carrier, in this case Telstra’s charge to unlock an iPhone is $150.
The process is pretty straightforward, and even better if you don’t follow Telstra’s instructions, and instead get the real steps required. It can take up to 72 hours (or 3 working days depending on who you are talking to – 3 working days seems more likely, as there is a human step or two in the process (apparently)).
When you are ready to try to see if the unlock request has gone through, you do the following:
With no Sim Card in the iPhone, connect it to your computer and start iTunes.
Click on “Check for Update”
Click on “Restore to Factory Settings”
Re-sync phone to iTunes. Now the instructions (apparently) require you to turn the phone on and off, but instead iTunes instructed me to insert the new carrier’s Sim Card. I did this while the phone was still connected, and it did a few things, and reported back that the operation was successful.
Even better – it was.
It then took me through the (basic) operation of setting up a new phone (which simply means it does a synchronisation, and creates a backup).
All in all, a relatively painless operation, once I found out the real steps required.
I’ve been playing around with the device for the afternoon (and evening) so far – and am struggling to find reasons why it is treated with distain in certain circles. So far it seems a very powerful device, with a very simple user interface.





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