01-14-2003, 09:16 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,177
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Manipulate Morally Magnificent? Part I
http://xda-developers.com/manipulator/
xda-developers.com is run by a bunch of hard core Pocket PC Phone Edition enthusiasts that enjoy "taking stuff apart to see how it works". As for me, taking something apart usually means seeing how it doesn't work. This time they have come up with an "XDA manipulator", a tool that sits on top of the GSM radio bits in the device. "XDA manipulator" can unlock a SIM-locked device. But beware, the tool is totally unsupported and can potentially break your device.
Morally, this is a balancing act. If I had bought a SIM-locked device without a subscription and paid the full price for it, then perhaps I would consider using this software to unlock it. Had I let a carrier subsidize the device in exchange for a subscription, then I would consider using this software to unlock the device immoral.
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01-14-2003, 10:02 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 16
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Just one interesting point. Why would you consider it 'immoral'? OK, if your network operator has subsidised your handset, in most cases, you'll still be paying your subscription to your network even if you unlock the device and use it with another network.
Yes, your original network is missing out on your call charges, but if your intention was always going to unlock your device and use it somewhere else, you're unlikely to choose a high charging tariff. Therefore, your subisdy is going to be lower.
I don't think anyone is losing here or am I missing something?
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01-14-2003, 10:35 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,177
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If I bought the device highly subsidized, unlocked it and went with another operator, then that would be immoral in my opinion. The first operator bought the device from the manufacturer and counted on getting back the investment from my subscription. By unlocking the device I break that contract.
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01-14-2003, 11:16 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 396
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I don't know if this work differently in Sweden to the way the do in the UK but if you buy a subsidised phone, aren't you contractually tied into a 12 months contract with your network?
The subsidy is covered by the profits they make during the 12 months you are paying line rental, call costs etc. Even if you did use your XDA on another network the line rental on your unused contract would still mean the telco don't lose out.
Fred
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01-14-2003, 11:30 AM
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Theorist
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 262
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I highly doubt that a Telco would be glad if everybody started doing that. Even though you sign a contract for only 12 months, I'm sure they hope that you keep prolonging your service. Anyway, in Belgium subsidized phones are forbidden , so we allways pay the full monty for our phones. On one hand that sux, on the other hand : our nation's Telco's don't have to worry about cash problems like everywhere else 
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01-14-2003, 12:04 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 131
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...
...and I'm not allowed to place 5 year old Palm Roms. If that's not allowed, than this isn't either.
Personally I don't really care about, but I think you're meassuring with double standards...
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01-14-2003, 12:56 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 60
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Not being the most technically minded, I am still unsure how this works.
On the developers site they had already provided details of how to unlock the phone - but only for a specific ROM and Stack.
Will this software now work on any ROM or phone stack or just the old one?
Jayman.
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01-14-2003, 01:17 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 16
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by FredMurphy
I don't know if this work differently in Sweden to the way the do in the UK but if you buy a subsidised phone, aren't you contractually tied into a 12 months contract with your network?
The subsidy is covered by the profits they make during the 12 months you are paying line rental, call costs etc. Even if you did use your XDA on another network the line rental on your unused contract would still mean the telco don't lose out.
Fred
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That's exactly my point. The network should have calculated the margin based on your subsidised price and contract revenue.
Their profits, IMHO, should come from the call charges during your contract. If people choose to use the same phone with a different provider, then it's the network's initiative to give you an attractive pricing plan to keep you there.
To draw a parallel, you buy a games console machine. Companies often sell the hardware at a loss (i.e., subsidising your handset), they recover the monies from software sales (i.e., your contract and calls).
You can buy games for other platforms, but they just won't work for your console. For a mobile, you're locked into a contract, the subsidy should equal (if not less) than your monthly charge excluding calls. This should be how the networks recover their monies. If people unlock their phones to switch networks. I imagine the primary reasons are call charges, network coverage and service. Then, it's up to the network to improve in these areas, the customer shouldn't need to bear these intangible costs. The network shouldn't lock your device so you've to go through these pains.
Anyway, things may be different in different countries. Also, I'm not associated with the mobile phone or game industries (except as a user), so I may be talking complete rubbish.
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01-14-2003, 01:22 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 16
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by denivan
I highly doubt that a Telco would be glad if everybody started doing that. Even though you sign a contract for only 12 months, I'm sure they hope that you keep prolonging your service. Anyway, in Belgium subsidized phones are forbidden , so we allways pay the full monty for our phones. On one hand that sux, on the other hand : our nation's Telco's don't have to worry about cash problems like everywhere else |
Not subsidising phones are increasing common with other countries as well. It may be due to people like us that switch phones/network often. 
However, I fail to see how companies can encourage sale of new handsets if the prices are getting higher.
P.S. I've actually never changed network and I only change phones every 2 years or so - which I think isn't that often...
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01-14-2003, 01:54 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386
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I personally wouuld have no problem unlocking my phone. I signed a 12-month contract that I'm bound to pay even if my phone moonlights with another service provider.
My main purpose for unlocking the phone though would not to sign up with a competitor, but to use it occasionally in a foreign country such as Thailand. Instead of paying exorbitant roaming charges, I'd rather borrow or rent out a local SIM card and use it for a short time.
Ekkie
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