Sprint locking all iPhone 4S SIMs starting 11.11.11

posted by Victor H. / Nov 11, 2011, 5:11 AM

Sprint locking all iPhone 4S SIMs starting 11.11.11

Numerology is all the rage for some companies. For Sprint, the date 11.11.11 will bring more bad news rather than good, though, as that’s exactly when the carrier is starting to lock the iPhone 4S, SprintFeed reports.

The iPhone 4S SIM locking process will happen during activation and is invisible to both the customer and seller as neither would have to do anything. Initially, we lacked clarity on whether the iPhone 4S would start selling with the SIM locked or not. Only later, the Now Network confirmed that the first batch of devices will be sold unlocked.

The memo also mentions that "this SIM lock update will not impact any current iPhone 4S customers (activated prior to 11/11/11)." Those lucky users that got their 4S before today would still be able to use the micro-SIM slot freely when roaming internationally. For frequent travelers that’s a pretty important feature as it allows them to purchase a local SIM and use it to avoid roaming fees.

To make things even more complicated, the carrier will reportedly unlock the SIM slot via an update for those customers in good standing. We only wish we knew what this means exactly.

source: SprintFeed via MacRumors

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6 Comments

1. sniperace

Posts: 95; Member since: Aug 20, 2009

It just means if you pay your bill and your phone hasen\'t been cut off do to non-payment you\'ll still be able to use your Ipone 4s out of the country.

posted on Nov 11, 2011, 7:07 AM 2

3. msa1988

Posts: 418; Member since: Mar 30, 2010

Thank you for clarifying. So pay your bill if you want to go out of the country. Not too big of a deal...

posted on Nov 11, 2011, 8:10 AM 1

2. Booya

Posts: 8; Member since: Nov 11, 2011

Stupid Sprint.

posted on Nov 11, 2011, 8:01 AM 0

4. iKingTrust

Posts: 716; Member since: Jul 27, 2011

Bye Sprint.

posted on Nov 11, 2011, 12:27 PM 0

5. iKingTrust

I will stick with ***T&T (happy)

posted on Nov 11, 2011, 12:28 PM 0

6. downphoenix

Posts: 3165; Member since: Jun 19, 2010

I dont really see the big deal. I understand that using the phone outside of the country can be expensive unless you get a prepaid sim with an international carrier but at the same time Sprint and Verizon dont want people unlocking their phones and using on AT&T or T-Mobile so it makes sense.