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On Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:41:41 -0700 Rhia Knowles wrote: > >>> I don't think the problem here is removing the lock that > >>> restricts it to one mobile provider, as the phone isn't going to > >>> be used for calls. In which case the thing can be reflashed with > >>> the software from samsung. In anycase these unlocking services > >>> cost from between Â12 and Â20. > >>> > >>> Does unlocking involve reflashing anyhow. A couple of times I've > >>> bought unlock codes off the net and this involves press a complex > >>> set of keys in the correct order and then entering the code. The > >>> code is somehow based on phones serial number. > >>> > >>> The vivitar camera costs Â23 and vivitar and a good brand. > >>> > >>> The problem is much more likely to be the battery not holding a > >>> charge, hence it works when plugged in to the mains, but not when > >>> not. Batteries are a big revenue earner for mobile manufacturers. > >>> They are often expensive and also quickly go out of production. > >>> > >>> Simon > >>> > >> > >> No, "de-branding" and "unlocking" are usually totally different > >> beasts. > >> > >> De-branding, which is what happens when you flash it with the > >> manufacturer's own firmware, will probably get rid of the 'extra' > >> software and settings that was installed on the phone by the > >> network. > >> > >> I de-branded my Nokia N95-1 (so I could install homebrew > >> applications) and it was still locked to 3. > >> > >> Grant. > >> > >> > > > > Agreed. ÂMy current phone is an ex-Vodafone Motorola V9. ÂIt worked > > on Orange and still does now I am on O2. ÂHowever when I turn it on > > I still get the original Vodafone splash screen and menus, so the > > firmware hasn't been touched by unlocking it. ÂThat was the one I > > got a refund for as FoneFunShop said they were unable to debrand it > > as it is apparently a slightly different beast, a V9M. > > > > Yeah a friend had a Samsung Soul locked to Voda on contact. He changed > to Orange Pay and Go when he lost his job, but found he couldnt get > the internet settings to change from the Voda ones. Even Debranded it > still wouldnt load anything but the vodaphone homepage. In the end he > just bought himself a new phone. Would probably have been cheaper to buy a Vodafone PAYG SIM card, phone Vodafone and ask to have it unlocked (with credit/debit card in hand). As I understand it they'll unlock it there and then if you pay or if you have enough credit. After de-branding the phone *should* have been open to changing the Internet settings to whatever you want... but if the phone is still "locked" to Vodafone then non-Vodafone settings will be ineffective. Of course, the other option is re-branding. If the phone in question is available on an alternative network then chances are there's a branded firmware available. Say you have a Nokia with T-Mobile branding - you may be able to get an Orange branded firmware for the same device. Grant. -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html