Sprint To Unlock Its Phones, Allow Non-Sprint Phones
Oct 26, 2007, 5:46 PM by (staff)
As part of a proposed class-action settlement in California, Sprint has agreed to unlock departing customers' phones so they can be used with other compatible networks, including Verizon and Alltel. Sprint said it will share the necessary unlocking code with all current and former subscribers once their phones are deactivated and their bills are paid. The company will also train employees on how to activate non-Sprint phones on its network. The settlement covers customers who bought a Sprint phone between Aug. 28, 1999, and July 16, 2007. A final approval hearing for the California suit has yet to be scheduled. A similar lawsuit in Florida is covered by the proposed settlement.
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Comments
What About Sprint MVNOs?
I still have my Sanyo MVP from when Mobile ESPN was up and running. I'm currently with Sprint, and was initially told that I couldn't bring my existing phone over. To this day, it is one of the best phones I have ever used in terms of features, reliability, and style. Does anyone know if this applies to all phones that operate on the Sprint network?
Just because Sprint releases their phones...
doesn't mean they will work on other networks. I've tried to activate my Verizon customer's old Alltel phones on my network, and I get the occasional Motorola v260 or Audiovox 8900 that works, but 90% of the time the ESN comes up as either not on VZW's database or not E911 compliant (even though it is).
I also would second the opinion that in all likelihood the phones would only work for voice, if at all.
I also would second the opinion that in all likelihood the phones would only work for voice, if at all.
I agree. The phones that Sprint has are made for the SPIRNT NETWORK!!! People sue for anything these days. 🙄
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switch carriers...use their phones
I would think common sense would prevail here. Why would someone so unhappy with Sprint want to take their phone to say Verizon or Alltel. Again common sense dictates that to get the most out of your carrier you NEED to use a phone that has been tested by their engineers. It's not about greed but about making sure a network doesn't have phones keeping it from being the best it can be. I've read a lot about EVDO and the like and can assure you that as a former Sprint employee your carrier can only ensure you have proper service if your phone has been tested on it's network. It's not just about voice anymore but data as well and carriers like Sprint and Verizon will go to whatever lengths to protect those networks.
Common sense for us, but not for those who are misinformed. So many people just recently have been complaining that they cant transfer their phones to different networks. To someone who doesnt understand how wireless devices work with different netw...
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Hmmmmm... have you ever accessed data while the little (R) indicator was on the infobar of your phone? This would indicate that you are roaming on another carriers network.. and your data worked just dandy. Practicly the whole entire CDMA hacking com...
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AWESOME! HELL YEAH! TAKE IT SPRINT!
I've often argued that sprints 'quality of service' excuse was flat out bogus.. they want people to be stuck buying a $300 replacement when they break their handset while on contract.. PERIOD... You can hardly get sprint to activate a used SPRINT phone because reps (store reps, especially) jerk you around about the ESN/previous owner/etc trying to get you to sign up for a new, 'FREE' phone.. don't blush sprint reps--we know your game...
People posting here: blind leading the blind... Sprint phones work GREAT on Vzw, cricket, and alltel(or any other CDMA carrier who will accept the ESN) if you unlock them (change spc to 000000's which is cake anyway no real need for a lawsuit..) and drop the right PRL onto them. SO WHAT if data won't wor...
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People posting here: blind leading the blind... Sprint phones work GREAT on Vzw, cricket, and alltel(or any other CDMA carrier who will accept the ESN) if you unlock them (change spc to 000000's which is cake anyway no real need for a lawsuit..) and drop the right PRL onto them. SO WHAT if data won't wor...
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It's not possible.
Sprint is the only CDMA carrier to use Java, so how would using a Verizon or Alltel phone work? BREW is 100% different then Java.
Would Sprint flash the firmware with Java?
Things are different for GSM, but not for CDMA. This just doesn't make any sense.
Would Sprint flash the firmware with Java?
Things are different for GSM, but not for CDMA. This just doesn't make any sense.
Dude.. rent a clue before you come here and talk like a sprint rep (clueless)
An empty gesture
They've been sued and made a gesture. Sprint knows their phones are going to be crap on any other network, if they can even be activated. They're probably banking on those frustrated customers forgetting why they left Sprint to begin with. Good news for AT&T I guess.
I've seen Alltel and Sprint phones on the Verizon network already. People have found clever techs at Radio Shack or some other indirect who've flashed the phones & reprogrammed the ESN (Always same model like Razr) from an inactive VZW phone (Ever wonder what to do with the fried water damaged phones? Recycle ESN's!) It took some work to pry the admission out of the customer that their phone wasn't stencilled with the Verizon logo. One even had our menu system. Anyway, I'...
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I've seen Alltel and Sprint phones on the Verizon network already. People have found clever techs at Radio Shack or some other indirect who've flashed the phones & reprogrammed the ESN (Always same model like Razr) from an inactive VZW phone (Ever wonder what to do with the fried water damaged phones? Recycle ESN's!) It took some work to pry the admission out of the customer that their phone wasn't stencilled with the Verizon logo. One even had our menu system. Anyway, I'...
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That is why the lawsuit was ridiculous in the first place. If I were Sprint, I would've settled quick. It seems like any halfway phone savvy person would have never let this become an issue. It was a senseless and futile lawsuit to begin with. The onl...
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What's the point...
Seeing as how CDMA cell phone software is customized pretty heavily to carrier requirements, I really don't see the point of taking a Sprint phone elsewhere. You'll pretty much only be able to use Voice and SMS functionality. I'm not so sure if EV-D0 data will even work properly seeing as how all the carriers use slightly different EV-D0 security measures.
I guess if you had an existing sprint phone and wanted to move to one of those unlimited plans, it would make sense.
I guess if you had an existing sprint phone and wanted to move to one of those unlimited plans, it would make sense.
It might make sense on PocketPC phones where you can basically configure network settings on the the device with limited knowledge.
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Phonescoop, you're wrong.
There is no guarantee in the settlement that Sprint will change its policy about allowing non-Sprint phones on its network. A copy of the settlement notice is at:
http://www.sprintlockinglawsuit.com/proposed.html »
And it states, about this point:
"Sprint has agreed to provide customer service representatives with information to help respond to questions from customers or potential customers about activating a non-Sprint phone on the Sprint CDMA network."
That's a promise to better train reps on the policy. NOT to change that selfsame policy.
http://www.sprintlockinglawsuit.com/proposed.html »
And it states, about this point:
"Sprint has agreed to provide customer service representatives with information to help respond to questions from customers or potential customers about activating a non-Sprint phone on the Sprint CDMA network."
That's a promise to better train reps on the policy. NOT to change that selfsame policy.
Agreed. I don't see anything in the settlement that states that Sprint will allow non-Sprint phones to be activated with them. It looks like the only major change is that Sprint will make SPC codes readily available for customers who want to use the...
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The AP article was pretty clear about it:
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Sprint said it will share the unlocking code with all current and former subscribers once their phones are deactivated and their bills are paid. The company also will add information about the l...
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I don't think we are wrong. Every article I've read so far has said the same thing. We contacted Sprint for clarification and there has been no rush from them to correct us (which we would expect if we were wrong.)
RCR - which I trust - just said t...
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RCR - which I trust - just said t...
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I must be missing something....
....in essence, Sprint is saying, "if you'd like to leave our network, we'll unlock it for you and allow you to use it on someone else's network." But you guys are not satisfied with this and think that Sprint is screwing over its customers? How?
I bought an unlocked Nokia 8801 online and was told NUMEROUS times by Cingular/AT&T that the only thing they could guarantee was voice calls. They couldn't even get my text messaging to work right. I could send messages to anyone but I could only accept messages from other Cingular/AT&T customers. Is that T-Mobile's fault because they sold the phone in the US? Or is it Cingular/AT&T's fault for not letting me use all the phone's options on their network?
Neither. It's MY fault for purchasing a...
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I bought an unlocked Nokia 8801 online and was told NUMEROUS times by Cingular/AT&T that the only thing they could guarantee was voice calls. They couldn't even get my text messaging to work right. I could send messages to anyone but I could only accept messages from other Cingular/AT&T customers. Is that T-Mobile's fault because they sold the phone in the US? Or is it Cingular/AT&T's fault for not letting me use all the phone's options on their network?
Neither. It's MY fault for purchasing a...
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agreed 100%. Nice to know someone out there has some intelligence.
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Carriers unlocking phones
So Sprint is only doing the right thing because they were being sued, typical of them.
I'm not sure on the other carriers, but with T-Mobile they will unlock your phone after you've had 3 months of service with them. They also allow any unlocked phone on their network as well. AT&T does this as well, but i believe it's not until your contract is completely up. Having a SIM card helps with the ease of this process as well.
I'm not sure on the other carriers, but with T-Mobile they will unlock your phone after you've had 3 months of service with them. They also allow any unlocked phone on their network as well. AT&T does this as well, but i believe it's not until your contract is completely up. Having a SIM card helps with the ease of this process as well.
from what I gather I see only the state of California for those who've purchased Sprint phones through the time frame explained,and possible Florida.
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UNBELIEVABLE...
Okay, so assume that this is true, and Sprint tells their customers, "sure we'll unlock your phones so you can carry them over to Verizon." The customers are going to take their unlocked phones to Verizon to hear "I'm sorry we can only activate Sprextel phones." Even if Verizon tried to activate an unapproved Verizon phone, their system will not allow it. So here's another great example of Sprint's customer service. They KNOW that their phones are not compatible with Verizon, so why tell their customers that it is?
So say that the law suits do make Verizon accept Sprint phones. These phones do not support Verizon's evdo. Who uses their phones just for talking nowadays? By Verizon allowing Sprint phones to become compatible with ...
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So say that the law suits do make Verizon accept Sprint phones. These phones do not support Verizon's evdo. Who uses their phones just for talking nowadays? By Verizon allowing Sprint phones to become compatible with ...
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blondebrains said:...
Okay, so assume that this is true, and Sprint tells their customers, "sure we'll unlock your phones so you can carry them over to Verizon." The customers are going to take their unlocked phones to Verizon to hea
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Will this really do anything?
Sprint unlocks their phones, but other carriers aren't obligated to activate those phones. I thought Verizon specifically didn't activate esn's not in their database (to maintain network quality by only having authorized devices or some crap like that). And they say they'll allow other carriers devices on their network, but don't they also need to be unlocked?
To be honest, I didn't even know CDMA phones were actually locked. I thought the carriers controlled device access by allowing or disallowing esn's on their network.
To be honest, I didn't even know CDMA phones were actually locked. I thought the carriers controlled device access by allowing or disallowing esn's on their network.
It won't do much unless every CDMA carrier gets sued. I can't wait until I get someone who dropped hundreds on an unlocked sprint phone on ebay and wants to activate it on Verizon's network and I can see what happens (probably nothing).
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The key is Sprint will activate compatible unlocked phones on their network . Something they didnt do before. This will help the cdma sagging phone market here in the states. You ever wonder why People that have ATT or T-mobiles phones are much more a...
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Is this going to be standard practice across the country and can people come to sprint with their own phones now???
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samsung f700 here i come
that would be so cool if they could unlock the f700 on the sprint network, or even the voyager. this is so cool!
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/10/26/samsung-f7 ... »
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/10/26/samsung-f7 ... »
They said Sprint is unlocking phones, not Verizon. This really only effects phones that other carriers use. Verizon cannot use a Sanyo M1 as it is not loaded in there Database, but they can use a Sprint Moto RAZR V3m or even a V9m as both Verizon and ...
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Compatibility issues - Java vs. BREW
Isn't Sprint aware that they are the only CDMA carrier to use Java? All other CDMA carriers use BREW. Say if you wanted to use an unlocked Sprint phone on Verizon, features will be severely restricted as many of Verizon's features are based on BREW. The same goes if you wanted to use a Verizon (BREW) phone on Sprint.
How will Sprint handle this?
How will Sprint handle this?
I don't think sprint would have to handle it it would be verizons or whoevers problem.
Actually I guess it would be the customers problem. The same would be true if a customer wanted to bring a verizon phone to sprint.
Remember this is part of ...
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Actually I guess it would be the customers problem. The same would be true if a customer wanted to bring a verizon phone to sprint.
Remember this is part of ...
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Way back in Jan. of '02 when I got my first cell phone, I didn't really do a lot of research at the time, but considering how controlling CDMA carriers seem to be, I'm realy glad that it was Cingular I chose way back in '02, and not Vzn/Sprint, cause ...
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Its sounds like sprint said ok because they know that their phones wont work well on other networks and vzw/alltel phones wont work well on their network and when it causes a problem and the carrier blames the phone and says that they have to get a ne...
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Right. Most advanced network-related features simply won't work. However if you only need voice and SMS from the network, and you side-load all of your music and photos, you might not care.
This is quite amusing.
Okay. So one can take another carrier's phone to Sprint now. Yay! One still is required to sign a two year agreement with Sprint to start a new service contract. I called them to see what it would take if I provided my own Sprint phone and they still say a two year contract. They do not even OFFER one year contracts. Also, what phones will work? How about Helio? The old MVNO phones? ESPN? Disney? I suppose since those phones operated on Sprint's network then theoretically it would be possible. However, has Sprint agreed to flash its software onto those handsets? I do not recall seeing that in the article. So, SURE they'll activate your cool wireless device that has all the cool applications on the carrier network it was designe...
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I don't think we'll get away from the subsidizing of phones. Many of my customers would freak out if they were told they had to pay $200+ for a phone and there was no option for a free or reduced cost.
Plus, once you've fulfilled the contract you ...
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Plus, once you've fulfilled the contract you ...
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Here read this...
This was posted on Phone scoop about two weeks ago:
Date Posted: Oct 11, 2006, 1:32 PM
Source: PCS Intel / Sprint Locking Lawsuit
Sprint last week raised the price of a text message for subscribers who do not have a messaging or data plan from 10 to 15 cents. Since this is viewed as a material change in Sprint's pricing, customers who have not paid a bill since October 1 can cancel their account in the next 30 days without being charged an early termination fee. Separately, a class action suit has been filed in California against Sprint for locking their handsets. Although an unlocked Sprint handset would not fully work with any other national carrier's network - it could only be used for basic functions, a judge has agree...
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Date Posted: Oct 11, 2006, 1:32 PM
Source: PCS Intel / Sprint Locking Lawsuit
Sprint last week raised the price of a text message for subscribers who do not have a messaging or data plan from 10 to 15 cents. Since this is viewed as a material change in Sprint's pricing, customers who have not paid a bill since October 1 can cancel their account in the next 30 days without being charged an early termination fee. Separately, a class action suit has been filed in California against Sprint for locking their handsets. Although an unlocked Sprint handset would not fully work with any other national carrier's network - it could only be used for basic functions, a judge has agree...
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It is a good article but is from over a year ago. 😁
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the change in pay-pertext fees is not cnsidered a materially adverse change, as if someone is sufficiently affected by a $.05/message charge, they are given the option to add a text messaging package on their bill.
...and the request to cancel must...
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...and the request to cancel must...
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I guess
this is cool. 😳 😳 😳 😳 . i can't see this working for anything other than voice. I can't see a sprint phone working on Verizon or Alltel or US Cellular's data.
More than likely not. When it comes to the data, it has to have certain software installed on the phone. I'm not a 100% on this, so correct me if i am wrong.
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