14 DAY TRIAL // Apple's exclusive contract with AT&T has left quite a few people upset. Whether it is because they don't like AT&T for some reason, or simply because AT&T has no coverage where they live, these people are unable to get an iPhone because of the lock-in. Not surprisingly, unlocked iPhones are very appealing to a lot of people, including those who only want to use the device as an iPod and Wi-Fi internet device, without any phone capabilities. While so far, other than disgruntled comments on the internet, nothing much has happened in this respect, it looks like Apple has caught the attention of at least one organization that has started a petition.
The online activism website, ActForChange, allows individuals to speak out on urgent issues to elected officials and other targeted decision-makers. Through this petition, they hope to get Steve Jobs to unlock the iPhone, but so far it isn't clear whether AT&T will be actively resisting requests for unlocking the device, a common procedure for customers that need to travel abroad.
Verbatim from the ActForChange website: Tell Steve Jobs: Unlock the iPhone!
On Friday June 29, Apple will release the iPhone, with 3 million units available -- seemingly more than enough to match the endless hype. However, if you want to purchase one, you'll be stuck using it on AT&T. It doesn't matter that the iPhone could work on other networks -- Apple refuses to let that happen.
The iPhone uses technology (known as GSM) that should allow it to work on other wireless networks, including overseas. But Apple has configured the iPhone so you're forced to use it on AT&T. An iPhone purchased in the U.S. will only work on the AT&T network, regardless of what SIM card is placed in it -- it cannot be taken to another GSM network such as T-Mobile.
So, if you're interested in an iPhone but are turned off by AT&T's corporate policies -- such as turning consumers' information over to the National Security Agency without warrants, their efforts to wipe out net neutrality, or the close-to-100% Republican giving of their new chairman -- you're out of luck.
It is in fact perfectly legal, according to a recent decision from the U.S. Register of Copyrights, for American consumers to unlock their phones for use on whatever network they would like. Apple is trying to take away that right by locking the iPhone to AT&T's network.
Sign this petition and add your name to the list of Americans calling on Steve Jobs, the President of Apple, to make the iPhone unlockable so that consumers can use it on networks other than AT&T. Then, forward the petition link on to some friends -- let's all remind Steve Jobs that the reason he's in business is because of us.
Send this petition to: Steve Jobs We, like many other Americans, are anticipating the release of the iPhones. However, we, like many other Americans, will NOT be purchasing an iPhone when they arrive. We choose NOT to use the iPhone because it is 'locked' for use only on the AT&T wireless networks.
Having to sign a contract is one thing; stopping the iPhone from being unlocked is quite another. In December of 2006, the U.S. Register of Copyrights gave the legal OK to unlocking phones for use on other networks. This means we as consumers should be able to purchase a wireless phone, and if the network provider does not provide satisfactory service, we have the right to unlock that wireless phone to use on other wireless networks.
As one of the leading consumer electronics companies, I hope that Apple will use its influence to set an example and open up the wireless market. If Apple leads, we can all benefit.
We call upon you to respect our rights and publicly announce that you will allow the iPhone to be unlocked for use on other networks. I hope you agree that this will only allow you to sell more iPhones, and let EVERYONE enjoy the technology your company has developed.
Signed by: [Your name] [Your address]