Unlocking PrePaid Phones [ Edited ]

[basil1229]

The web site here (http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=55002&cv=820&title=What+is+the+unlock+code+for+my+phone%...)  is very misleading.

If you have prepaid wireless service, and want it unlocked so you can use it on vacation, the website says (at least today; they'll probably change it since I spent the past hour ranting and raving at three different "customer service" reps):

"Requirements for prepaid wireless plans with AT&T branded phones:

• You have had AT&T service for six months or longer
• You can provide a receipt or other proof of purchase"

Well, that's only partially true. 

It turns out not all prepaid phones are eligible for to be unlocked (which they conveniently failed to mention above) as I found out after I bought a phone, then, a month and a half or so later (i.e. today),  tried to get it unlocked.  Now the story is, and it changed from rep to rep, either I had to have the phone for six months or the phone (ZTE-Z990) itself is ineligible for unlocking.

It is true that when I first called them about it in January, the rep mentioned something about calling in with the IMEI # to see if it could be unlocked, but she never said there was a minimum ownership time or that some phones were simply never eligible for unlocking. One of the reps I spoke with today said she couldn't be expected to know about all of their phones (or words to that effect).  Well, why not? 

Anybody want to buy a paperweight?

<subject edited, new post created>

[jamileh]

I'm sorry your phone can't be unlocked but you're right, we need to make sure that it's clear not all phones can be unlocked. 

I'm going to pass this to our support content folks with the suggestion that they update this article with your recommendation. 

[basil1229]

I don't want to sound like too much of a sourpuss, but this is kind of too late to help me.  I feel like I've been mis-led and I'm pretty po'd about that.

It seems to me that the issue is not the phone cannot be unlocked, but that AT&T chooses not to unlock it, and I can't understand why.

[jamileh]

I know, and I'm sorry that we can't do anything to help your specific situation. I know you're ticked about it, I would be too. 

I'll see if I can get any information about why that specific model cannot be unlocked and if I get anything useful, I'll update this thread. 

[basil1229]

I do appreciate anything you can do, of course, but I wonder if you wouldn't mind sending me an e mail if you find out anything.  Although I asked for the site to send me an e mail when there's a response to this thread, that hasn't happened (today really isn't my day, is it?).  You should be able to get my e mail address from my customer profile.

[jamileh]

Sure thing

[basil1229]

Well, it's 5+ months later and I wonder if there's been any change in AT&T's policy towards unlocking the ZTE-Z990.

Thanks.

[sonson2590]

I have a older model samsung phone I forgot my password to unlock it i tried threetimes allready now my phone says enter PUK code,I have no idea what that code is can you help me?

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

GoPhone accounts will not be able to retrieve the PUK online from myAT&T. You will need to contact Customer Service by dialing 611 from your wireless phone or 1-800-901-9878 (Pay As You Go) or 1-866-499-7888 (Pick Your Plan) from a landline phone.

[arijeet_m]

I bought prepaid gophone samsung galaxy appeal I 827 on January 2013, also got it recharged once. Now I've moved back to India and wanted it to be unlocked so that I can use it with other service provider as AT&T is not in India. When I called Customer Care (after 90 days from the date I got the phone activated) they are saying that we cannot get the unlock code, it says "ineligible" and the phone is designed only for AT&T. But when I put a sim of another SIM Card it asks for the netword pin so that it can be unlocked.
While buying the phone, I clearly asked the store if later I'll be able to use this phone with other service provider and they said yes.
Not sure, who is lying, but my hard earned money has gone waste. I'll never ever suggest anyone to get a AT&T connection as I do not see any help in any form from AT&T.