[Updated] Fido/Rogers Introduce New Device Unlocking Policy, iPhone Included

By Ex on December 14th, 2010 123

Update 1: via twitter

atekant: @iPhoneinCanada I am on the phone with Fido and talking to the unlock guy right now. there doesn’t seem to be a problem with the iPhone

Update 2: the unlocking process explained via @atekant. He was told to restore his iPhone and it would be “unlocked” via iTunes

611->1st guy: huh?->2nd guy: how did you know?->3rd guy (unlock guy): check info & eligibility, done over the phone (done via Apple)

@atekant restored iPhone 3GS to factory 4.2.1. There was no message or indication of an unlock. Popped an AT&T SIM into 3GS and did not receive the “Invalid SIM” error. EU Wind SIM: works; O2 SIM: flashed “Invalid SIM”, then disappeared.

@atekant is restoring from iPhone backup. “Plugged the phone to iTunes with O2 sim. It said verifying iPhone, and now it is at emergency call screen. Rebooting once more…”

@atekant Rebooted with O2 sim without being plugged. It coughed and I am on Rogers network. Just received a text from O2 asking for more money

———————————————————————————–

We received a tip this morning that Rogers/Fido are going to be the first Canadian wireless carriers to unlock Rogers/Fido devices for a fee. This is reportedly a new policy that the company is rolling out.

Rogers/Fido Handset Unlocking Policy

Effective December 14, 2010, Rogers/Fido have introduced a new device unlocking policy that allows Rogers/Fido customers to unlock their device for a $50.00 fee. The policy applies to consumer phones, smartphones, embedded laptops, and rocket sticks depending on manufacturer restrictions.

To have a device unlocked, a customer must:

  • Have an account in good standing
  • Have paid the un-subsidized / no term cost for the device at least 30 days prior OR have finished their Commitment Period (contract)
  • Unlock a device which is listed in their equipment history (no grey market devices)
  • Pay a $50 unlocking fee plus applicable taxes (note: prepaid customers must have a $50 plus the applicable taxes, balance on their account)

As always, there is a handy Rogers/Fido Q&A:

How can a customer have their phone unlocked?

  • The unlock service is available through the Customer Care team (1-888-481-3436 or 1-888-Rogers1)

What are the risks for unlocking devices?

  • Some features on the phone/device might be compromised by the unlocking and could affect its performance on our network. Our devices are optimized to work on the network for which they were purchased. Not all settings will work outside the carrier that certified the device.
  • Warranty may become void by some manufacturers if unlocked outside the Rogers/Fido policy or software has been tampered with.
  • In regard to our wireless handsets, customers have the added benefit of our Fido Repair and Loaner service which will help cover the cost if their device is defective.

If a customer brings in a phone for service, please:

  • Ask the customer if their phone has been unlocked; if yes, was it unlocked within the Rogers/Fido policy?
  • If unlocked within the Rogers/Fido policy and the software has not been tampered with then there is no impact on the warranty. Note that if unlocked outside the Rogers/Fidopolicy or the software has been tampered with then the warranty may be void.
  • Advise the customer the phone can potentially be re-locked as part of the repair process and if they wish to have it unlocked again, the policy and charge applies.
  • In order for a customer to take advantage of either the Fido Repair and Loaner service, the customer’s device brand must correspond to the currently active CTN (i.e. Fido CTN cannot be sent for repair with Rogers branded hardware and vice versa).
  • All Hardware service transactions where the CTN brand does not correspond to the hardware brand will have to be processed manually. Customer will have to provide proof of purchase in order to proceed with manual In Warranty Repair.

Device unlocking fee list:

Alberta

  • $52.50 (with tax)

British Columbia

  • $56.00 (with tax)

Manitoba

  • $56.00 (with tax)

New Brunswick

  • $56.50 (with tax)

Newfoundland & Labrador

  • $56.50 (with tax)

Nova Scotia

  • $57.50 (with tax)

Ontario

  • $56.50 (with tax)

Prince Edward Island

  • $57.75 (with tax)

Québec

  • $56.44 (with tax)

Saskatchewan

  • $55.00 (with tax)

Thanks to Gordun Ramsie and Jakub for the tip!

Reports on iPhone news, reviews apps and accessories. Also an armed ninja with an iPhone 4S.

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  • Aug Ink

    You know what it cost me in the UK to unlock all 3 of my iPhones from O2? (2G, 3G & 3GS)
    NOTHING, BUBKISS, ZERO, ZILCH!!
    GO F**** YOURSELF ROGERS!!
    I will never buy any locked iPhone in Canada!
    THE CRTC is USELESS!!

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  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    It’s sad when you think about the state of wireless in this country. Although the new entrants are starting to make some noise!

  • RichieB

    Called Rogers to unlock my old 3GS as i upgraded to th iP4 on the day it came out. Rep unlocked my iP4 and wouldn’t unlock my 3GS, just my luck :)

  • Me

    That’s awesome. Now call back and have them unlock your 3GS. If they say no, tell them to read their library entry on unlocking. It is very clear that if you HUP to a new phone the old one may be unlocked. Then if you want to sell the 3GS you can sell it as factory unlocked for higher resale value.

  • http://www.derekmartin.ca lo_fye

    I just got off the phone with Rogers and they’re not able to perform this unlock yet. They’re putting a team together to handle the unlocks, but they won’t be ready until after Christmas. They weren’t ready for the demand. Meh.

  • Dummy

    Too little, TOO LATE!!! They sold me what they told me was an unlocked iPhone 3Gs which I took to Europe for my honeymoon—as a reference for maps etc. I put in an Orange card, and it wouldn’t accept it. I incurred over @#%^! $5000.00 in roaming charges as a result! I paid approximately $900.00 for this allegedly unlocked, realistically locked, iPhone 3Gs. Do you think that FIDO or ROGERS has offered to waive the $50.00 (+ tax) fee or even sent me an email regarding the change in their policy? Not at all. They could care less. Corporations is about f#%(*@g the public up the ass to make a profit. They could care less. Apple doesn’t care about what Fido does after their product is in their—greasy middle-man—hands.
    I bet you the ONLY reason Rogers changed their ILLEGAL policy is due to my (and others like Speedman) myriad of complaint letters I sent to them as well as Apple, as well as having posted all over the internet about these ILLEGAL policies. When you lease a building—have a contract—for 3 years, you have NO OBLIGATION to stay once your contract is up; AND you don’t have to pay to move out!!!

  • Dummy

    That is pure uneducated drivel, Noahattic. I, myself—quite easily—fooled the [so-called] Apple Genius to get myself an iPhone 3Gs replacement 1 week prior to the end of my warranty period because I had a long scratch on the front face from my wife’s engagement ring. I asked the dude if he would kindly provide me with a “carrier unlocked” phone—as the iPhone 4 is selling now—and he stated that “We have to lock the phones to the carrier blah blah corporate bullshit blah no legal right blah corporations make their own laws blah blah and spit on the public blah blah…” even though I produced my iPhone 3G which was my subsidized still-locked phone and a receipt from Fido for $900 UNSUBSIDIZED price for my 3Gs.
    See Speedman’s 2nd post…

  • Dummy

    Unfortunately they teach you in the fancy universities the quickest way to make a profit is to screw you customers. Take the banks; who today profit by charging you $3 ($1.50 each way) for a service YOU provide THEM such as arranging a withdrawal from your account, which—not too long ago—they used to have to pay tellers wages for them to do if for you! Not only do they save on the teller wages, but they also make an ADDITIONAL $1.50 off EVERY TRANSACTION YOU ARE DOING THE LABOUR to perform… What’s the difference?

  • Laap

    I’m in the very same situation and it’s extremely frustrating have to pay 50 bucks on top of you already paid full price, and I bought mine from the Apple store, went back to the store to demand an unlock on it, they say they have nothing to do with it since it was locked to Fido, I had to deal with Fido, Doesn’t make any sense, Apple took my money but I have to complain to somebody else. It should be automatically unlocked without ANY charges….and fido should thank me for being a Jerk choosing them as a provider…

  • Guest

    I will be heading back to my Hong Kong to visit my family for a couple of weeks and wanted to use my phone with the local carriers to avoid expensive roaming charges. Found out that Rogers are willing to unlock the phones for a fee I called the Customer Service team for more information.

    I was told that due to my contract has not yet expired, the phone cannot be unlocked.
    However, I have no intention in cancelling my contract. I do not understand why the phone cannot be unlocked. Rogers will be receiving my payments each month for the next 2.5 years (contract time remaining). In fact, I had been a loyal Rogers client since 2001.

    Other carriers are willing to unlock the iPhone 4 as long as you pay the unlocking fee. If one does cancel the contract, they simply pay the penalty. Many carriers around the world offer unlocked iPhone 4 or are willing to unlock the iPhone 4 for a fee. I do not see how unlocking a phone contradicts with the contract. The point is to retain your client base, which the contract is already offering to Rogers. There is no loss to Rogers at all as I am still paying my dues. (and getting unreliable 3G service or dropped calls from “Canada’s Reliable Network”)

    How does Rogers keep itself being competitive when other competitors are offering a much better deal and flexibility? (That goes to all lines of business)

    To be honest, I am quite disappointed in this unlocking policy. I am not cancelling my contract and willing to pay the unlocking fee (in fact, I don’t even think this fee should be charged at all if the contract obligation is completed since the client at that point owns the phone), yet I am not allowed to unlock my phone.

    As rogers is not willing not unlock my phone, I am now forced to pay roaming charges for making local calls. Another cash grab strategy from Rogers.

    I must say, I will no longer recommend Rogers to any of my family and friends. In fact, I will be asking them to leave Rogers if they are able to.

    Ridiculous policy and more expensive plans then competitors. Did I mention, it’s not reliable and customer service is rude from time to time?

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  • Mlorenz

    I went through this process, and after much hassle with Rogers, it worked. Now my wife is using my old 3GS on Sasktel. But we are in LA right now and her phone has no service. Not very impressed at this moment. My iPhone4 works fine (also on Sasktel back home). I bought it from Apple directly. Anyone have this problem?

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  • Rubayed

    I am sorry if my queries seems off topic  but i need a solution to my
    problems soon. I have been with Fido for almost 10 years and signed my
    last 3 years contract with Fido in July 2010 with an iPhone 4 and
    currently only on my 13th month of my 36 month contract. My dad lives in
    the middle east and last week he has been diagnosed with Leukemia and I
    would have to fly over there to be by his side. I should be there for
    at least couple of months until my other brother comes in. Therefore I
    need to be able to use my iPhone 4 there as i m so dependant on it. So i
    called Fido and asked if there is any way i can unlock my iphone 4 and
    use it there. Turns out it will cost me $50 for ECF( which to my
    surprise i found quite inexpensive)  to get out of my contract since it
    was done after June 2010  and I m in Quebec and due to Bill 60 and etc.
    So i quickly agreed to do it and was more than happy to pay $50 to get
    out of contract with a hope of unlocking my iphone 4 but unfortunately
    regardless of me paying the ECF and coming out of the contract they will
    still not unlock my phone until July 2013 when the full 36 months
    expire. A supervisor came on the phone and said that it is thier policy.
    My iPhone 4 is on 4.3.3 firmware and to the best of my knowledge i
    cannot unlock it through cydia or any other means, so that i can use it.
    My only option is to go the legal way but FIDO wouldn’t unlock it for
    me. So i m study with a Fido locked iphone 4 despite not bieng in any
    contract with FIDO. R they right on not allowing me to unlock my phone
    despite me not being in any contract with them because i paid the $50 to
    get out of it  and also willing to pay the $50 fees to unlock it?
    Please help me and give me any advice on how i can have my phone legally
    unlocked by FIDO or APPLE ,since I’m flying on the August 18th,,,I have
    been using iphone since its early days when the iPhone 2g came out and i
    have so much into in it that it is going to  be extremely difficult to
    just start using any phone in the middle east,,,please help…thanks!!!

  • Paul Mailhiot

    Not much as change in the unlocking department…

    I have a iphone 4 lock with Rogers. I cancelled my contract with them, wich mean i paid what had to be paid so it’s like if i had purchase the phone. But neither Rogers or Apple want to unlock the f… phone. Companies really take their customer for granted, no to say something else. What can we do to change this situation other than not being their customer?

    I saw an add in kijiji frn a guy who says he unlock iphone. I have just sent him an email to verify what exactly he can do.

    Paul from Sherbrooke.

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  • Dchiuppi

    I asked how to unlock 3GS iPhone!
    50.00 to the first person that can tell this procedure so I can unlock the phone.
    I don’t want to hear opinions on procedure or experiences on getting the job done blah blah
    What Is the Procedure To Unlock The IPhone 3Gs????

  • Tapartacus

    Thievery in every sense! I just paid Rogers over 3000 dollars over a 3 year contract and have a new phone on a new contract with them and they still want to charge me after the fact. Plus tax! Ridiculous. My next phone I’m buying outright.

  • davidw

    it is insane, I would like pay the $50, but Fido doesn’t unlock my iphone 4 even I already paid $200 before to have my data plan cancelled. They claim that I still have voice plan contract, so they cannot unlock for me.

  • Radams_089

    It may interest you to know that the wireless companies are able to charge these outrageous fees because they are not regulated by the CRTC.
    If you check the telecomunications act section 27 says that fees will be fair and equitable. The CRTC exempted wireless providers from section 27 so they are free to charge you whatever they want and there is nothing you can do about it.

  • Peterzervas

    Hi Elise im having the iphone 4 is locked to Rogers Network  twice a year im travel to Europe.
    I want to unlock my phone,There is a Rogers centre to unlock the phone in Toronto.
     
    Regard Peter

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