What's the point of unlocking your phone?

[cam76034]

So I broke down and moved into the 21st with a new iphone and learning all the neat tricks it does. Other than the ability to use other networks, what are the benefits of having it "unlocked"? Any risk?

[Dave04]

Biggest risk so far is that Apple has been known to mess with you when they push down new software. There are cases where people unlocked phones and the new iPhone software bricked the phone.

[Jiggerachi]

One benefit of unlocked GSM phones is oversea travel. You can buy local prepaid sim cards when you get there so you don't have to pay redicuous fees. Ive been trying to unlock my G1 for our trip to Mexico but it's a huge PITA. I just bought a POS unlocked Motorolla phone at Walmart for $15. It'll get the job done.

My friend has had an unlocked Iphone and an Iphone 3g both successfully running on T-Mobile for two years or so now. But he always had trouble with getting full functionality, texts and such were always glitchy from trying to run on a different network. Another friend had one on AT&T that he got unlocked so he could install non apple apps or something like that, but it was always giving him problems. He had to get it reflashed a few times from AT&T and had to unlock it again each time.

Anyway, those are the only reasons I know of.

[trickyrix]

So I broke down and moved into the 21st with a new iphone and learning all the neat tricks it does.

Holy shit, Andy... you got an iPhone before I did? Did you get the iFart app yet?

I've taken little sips of the iPhone Kool Aid and it's pretty tasty. I've been told to wait till July, when some big fancy update comes out... and then I'm going to get one (even after all the bad-mouthing I gave that thing).

You put extra sugar in the Kool Aid, it turns your tongue purple, it makes you twitchy, you can't get enough, and next thing you know... you're buying a damn iPhone.

[Majik]

I have had an unlocked iphone for 6 months or so. I use tmobile. Everything works just fine, I dont have a data plan so I just use wifi for internet. That is the only reason I have it unlocked and jailbroken. I have taken advantage of jailbreaking the phone and added cut and paste, and a camcorder. Yes it takes a week or so for the hackers to adapt to the new software updates, but eventually you can update the latest and hack it again.