A screenshot of the iPhone working on 3's network
(Credit: tryandbyte)
With an audible rumbling of discontent over the official iPhone pricing plans, tech-savvy iPhone owners are having their handsets unlocked and switching to 3 Mobile hoping to get a better deal on calls and data usage.
On the day of the iPhone's Australian launch there had been some concern from customers about whether the process of unlocking the iPhone and switching carriers was technically possible, or if the process was blocked by the iTunes activation system. Even 3 Mobile was unsure of whether the iPhone would allow the switch and so was unable to re-assure "iPhoners" hoping to jump ship to its service.
Luckily, forum members at MacTalk.com.au have apparently completed the leg work and have posted the process, as well as screenshots showing the iPhone with 3 Mobile reception and accessing 3's network Web portal.
Switching services involves flashing the iPhone and re-installing a specific restore file. Obviously this process is only for those confident in completing the restore. Forum member glipschitz describes the process as follows:
1. Plug in iPhone and Restore
NOTE: If you are on a Mac and have previously restored your iPhone, delete the update file from User Name/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
2. Download the update as part of the restore — this should be a file called "iPhone1,2_2.0_5A347_Restore.ipsw";
3. Let the iPhone do its thing and flash the unit;
4. Do initial sync with iTunes then Power Cycle Unit;
5. Plug back in and Sync;
6. Power down, change SIM and power up and hey presto you should be right to rock and roll.
This procedure needs to follow on once you've had your original network carrier unlock the iPhone. Those who have completed the process have paid AU$80 to get their iPhone unlocked with Optus, which includes a wait of up to 10 days for the unlocking to occur.
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james
17/07/2008 03:48 PM
Dont be disapointed when they say 10 days, it took 5 days for me and most of the others. When you are on 3 you need to change the APN to 3services for access to the internet.
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gregaus
20/07/2008 12:19 AM
Hey everyone. I've had a problem with my so called 'unlocked' Telstra iphone for 8 days now. They told me it was unlocked yet I couldnt get it to work. I can confirm the ABOVE PROCESS definitely works!!! Thanks heaps for this very valuable information. I can finally use my iphone for phone calls!
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gregaus
20/07/2008 12:37 AM
Hey everyone. I've had a problem with my so called 'unlocked' Telstra iphone for 8 days now. They told me it was unlocked yet I couldnt get it to work. I can confirm the ABOVE PROCESS definitely works!!! Thanks heaps for this very valuable information. I can finally use my iphone for phone calls!
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gregaus
20/07/2008 12:40 AM
PS: Phone now works but the data (internet) doesn't. I entered the APN as "3services" but this doesn't seem to have fixed the problem. Does anyone have any idea how to make it work?
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gregaus
20/07/2008 08:27 AM
Strike that! I powered off and back on and everything works PERFECTLY!!! Thanks again!
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Gage
21/07/2008 04:32 PM
Hehee.. 3 rocks :P
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jason.grogan
17/08/2008 10:18 PM
sounds great so i just got a telstra iphone via ebay and i want to unlock it and move it to 3 Do i take it to a telstra shop or just call telstra?
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emem
08/10/2008 12:56 PM
Are you telling me once it works with 3, the user interface changes and looks like that ugly screenshot above and not the delicious black background of the regular iPhones?
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