Why is iPhone Locked with AT&T?

Long before Apple released their version of unlocked phones, hackers were already making extra effort to remove the constraints placed on iPhone devices. Upon the release of iPhone devices, it is locked with the activation process and exclusive right to carry this device is with AT&T alone (in the US). So foremost concerns of iPhone owners is that in spite of paying a large sum of money, one will never be able to fully utilize their own iPhone aside from issues of trying to retain the rate package with AT&T long after the contract expires.

As one notorious developer said, paying large sum of money for a device which can only be used with an expensive service provider is unjust. On the business side, Apple has a valid reason for their partnership with a service provider for their iPhone product, just like other device makers. What is not reasonable is to have iPhone’s other features locked up, even if this are not related to the phone service, like having a different music player, downloading capability to other sites than App Store. To which most hackers, as well as iPhone users, share the same sentiment.

It is understandable for Apple to sign a contract with AT&T, forcing an iPhone user subscribe to a two-year pact before being able to use the phone with other service providers. One good reason is the fact that AT&T helped developed many mobile phone functions for iPhone. With the two-year contract, AT&T will reap the rewards for their contribution in the development of iPhone.

However, for iPhones users, the device does not only serve as a mobile phone. It has other pre-installed functions and features that came along with it when you first receive the package. It also has features that can enable users to install additional apps, themes and extensions which can be downloaded thru App Store. An iPhone can also function as an alternate iPod and a hotspot device. Clearly, iPhone is not just an ordinary mobile phone.

After the two-year contract, you will still be tied to AT&T mainly because the SIM is locked for AT&T use only and cannot be used to other service provider. If you do not want to extend your contract with AT&T, aside from making phone calls and sending text messages, you will lose some of the Internet-based functions of your iPhone, unless you have access to Wi-Fi. But overall, you will still be able to play downloaded music, installed apps, and other stuff. It’s just weird that you have a phone with no phone capability.

Lately, Apple started selling ‘unlocked’ iPhone products that are only available to phone carriers running under GSM network and not with CDMA network.

Fortunately, iPhones can be jailbroken and unlocked so you don’t need to worry about transferring the service to another company after the two-year period expires. In fact, you don’t need to wait for two years. You can purchase iPhone from AT&T even under contract, have it jailbroken immediately after paying the Early Termination Fee and you’ll end up saving $100.

Just make sure to use a trusted jailbreaking tool or you’ll end up with a bricked iPhone. Once successfully jailbroken, you’ll be able to download apps, themes and extensions from Cydia, which offers much more compared to App Store. And upon unlocking the iPhone, you’ll be free to choose from whatever service provider you choose to subscribe to.