>
New Topic
>
Reply<
Esato Forum Index
>
Sony Ericsson / Sony >
Symbian phones
> P990i still unlocked on Vodafone?
Bookmark topic
Could any Vodafone P990i users tell me if it's still unlocked on Vodafone? I read that it was when first supplied, but wanted to make sure before I bought one. Also, do Vodafone cripple it in any serious way or is it pretty much as SE intended..?
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 16:09:06
Edit :
Quote
The vodafone p990i will not be locked to vodadone. The phone will accept any sim card (As i use my t-mobile on it)
There will only be two draw backs.
1) You are stuck with the stupid vodafone startup screens when you open the phone and close the phone.
2) The phone will be vodafone branded (not on the handset but software wise) You will not be able to upgrade your firmware using SEUS (i still havn't found out how i will update my f/w, but i think going to the nearest SE service centre and some extra cash should solve the problem).
Other than that the phone will be fine. You also won't get all the crashing and restarting that everyone is on about in the forum by just simply NOT installing third party applications. Or keep it to a minimum. I have had the phone for two months and it has only restarted twice.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 17:20:12
Edit :
Quote
Two days ago I went into my Voda shop to ask about updating the firmware on my P990 and noticed that the new P990s in the shop all had Vodafone branding on the flip where it normally says P990i. I'm not sure if this means the new phones are more locked than previously. I was also told that I could get an unlocking code from Voda for £20. Now, if all their P990s accepted non-Voda Sim cards then why would they offer this? Makes me suspicious about the new phones so do your homework before buying.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 18:52:48
Edit :
Quote
The P990i's that Vodafone had first were all unlocked and had no branding on the flip or the box. They just had the startup screens and nothing else.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 18:54:51
Edit :
Quote
I know, I have one but Honeypea was asking about current phones so I thought I should warn him.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 18:58:51
Edit :
Quote
Thanks for the replies. Hmm, so we don't know absolutely for sure that the new ones are unlocked? Support/shops are notoriously bad about telling you details of the phones you'll get...
As to unlocking, I've tried for about 2 months to get some kind of guarantee prior to purchase that I could unlock a K800i: telephone support assure me it's easy, I just pay a fee, and the shops tell me it isn't true and they can't get hold of unlocking codes: they say they're "thin on the ground". I don't understand how Vodafone work: they either can or can't unlock phones, and I need to know before I buy!
Any advice on a surefire way of knowing if a phone is unlockable before purchase? Returning in my case would be trickier than normal, due to the (entirely legal but complicated) details of the account.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 18:59:38
Edit :
Quote
With many networks a 14 day return is available if you are unhappy.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 19:00:53
Edit :
Quote
Ahh sorry about that i might have mis-lead you there, I purchased my p990i voda off of ebay a month ago the new ones might be different. When you do purchase your P990i you won't be dissapionted my friend.
--
Posted: 2006-11-08 21:56:00
Edit :
Quote
@honeypea,
I would ignore what the staff in store are saying as how unlocking codes can be thin on the ground makes no sense, what does that even mean?
You pay Voda for the unlock code and they request it from the manufacturer and then send it to you. Now if Voda will sell you the unlock code on a new phone that has a new contract is a totally different matter I'm afraid but in theory there should not be a problem. But if this is of primary importance try and get Voda to give you a guarantee in writing if possible just to make sure you are covered, hope this helps.
Marc
--
Posted: 2006-11-09 10:33:54
Edit :
Quote
ooo i never knew that. i got my p990 right when they were launched. i assumed that because it had the splash screen , even tho it didnt have any marking on the phone or box, that it would be locked.
does that mean i can update it with unbranded software when there is a new one out or will it still have to be branded?
dos that mean they could lock it at a later date?
--
Posted: 2006-11-15 03:52:55
Edit :
Quote
New Topic
Reply
