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Apple iPhone 3G unlocked – what now?

After fellow contributor Dan Lane figured out how to unlock the Apple iPhone 3G with just 16 pounds and a hole punch (full details including a video coming on Monday’s video podcast), I’ve been considering the way ahead for me.

I think the ultimate iPhone 3G experience must be on UK network operator, 3.  Their data network really is something special.  Trouble is, I can’t remember where I put my 3 SIM.   I think I might need to acquire another one.

Should I ‘unlock’ my o2 iPhone?  I think I’ll try it out.  I’ve been thinking carefully about whether or not to upgrade my iPhone’s o2 price plan because I’ve begun using it more and more as a primary handset.  Primary handsets aren’t good when they come with something shocking like 75 minutes and 75 texts inclusive.

Or I could use my Vodafone SIM, too — that’s currently my primary number.  How convenient!

There is the added arse of having an 18 month o2 contract.  Decisions, decisions.

Anyway, standby for the video podcast this week.  You’ll see Dan Lane unlocking a Nokia N95, real time, in the middle of Covent Garden.  Then you’ll see the same happen again with the Apple iPhone 3G.  (The very same one that took him 8.5 hours in a queue at the Apple store to acquire).

21 COMMENTS

  1. I think I might swap a Three PAYG data SIM into my iPhone3G and just use it as a internet-connected tablet with the O2 SIM in another handset as my main number…

  2. It's clever stuff, but if you've got a 3G iPhone you're already paying for, and locked into, an 18-month contract.
    I can see the point if you're unhappy with the 02 network; but there's no escaping that you're running two contracts instead of one. The benefits outlined in other comments here seem pretty marginal to me, though I'm happy to be persuaded/enlightened.

  3. It depends on your needs, but for me this means the option to put in foreign SIMs when traveling or to swap to 3 for '3 like home' in Ireland…. and the option to use my bundled O2 minutes in a 'real' phone and keep the iphone for what it's good for – browsing / e-mail,

  4. Has anyone tried or seen evidence of a 3 mobile sim card working in an iPhone 3G? I am currently on my 18th month of an 18 month contract with 3 and I am definatly switching to an iPhone, currently I have got hold of a 2g iPhone (obviously doesnt work with the 3g Sim) and I was going to switch to another netowotk like vodafone ect with their sim only contract.

    HOWEVER

    3 are currently offering me a contract for

  5. No, unfortuntaly not, does he talk about using the 3sim in the iPhone then? Do you have a link (apologies, im having trouble finding the podcast you're referring to)

    Just read about someone else having problems with the 3sim in the iPhone so it sounds like it may not be possible tho

  6. Wait, sorry was being thick, just found it, so it looks like everything works fine then! Thats good news, will investigate this with 3 mobile I think

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  10. The 3G network is only available if you signed up with AT&T anyway. If you're able to unlock the modem on the 3G iPhone, you will still not get 3G speeds (but you can use WiFi just fine).

    If you're looking for a software unlock, you can visit http://www.unlockmy3giphone.com.

  11. The 3G network is only available if you signed up with AT&T anyway. If you're able to unlock the modem on the 3G iPhone, you will still not get 3G speeds (but you can use WiFi just fine).

    If you're looking for a software unlock, you can visit http://www.unlockmy3giphone.com.

  12. The 3G network is only available if you signed up with AT&T anyway. If you're able to unlock the modem on the 3G iPhone, you will still not get 3G speeds (but you can use WiFi just fine).

    If you're looking for a software unlock, you can visit http://www.unlockmy3giphone.com.

  13. i have just purchased an iphone 3g unlocked from ebay and am currently on contract with 3 uk until december this year does anyone know if my sim card will work in this phone and if not does anyone know of any ways of getting it to work as normal in the iphone on 3 uk???

    thnx

    kirsty

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