Will T-Mobile Unlock the Nokia Lumia 521 for You?

With the Nokia Lumia 521 being costing only an insanely low amount of $149  that has a lot of people out there wondering if they can get their hands on an unlocked version of this device.  I mean T-Mobile was unlocking the iPhone 5 for their customers why not the Nokia Lumia  521? I asked T-Mobile themselves about this very subject and the answer?  T-Mobile will unlock the Lumia 521 but there are catches.  What are they? Read on to find out.

For just walking into a T-Mobile store and flat out buying a Lumia 521 than getting it unlocked?  It doesn’t seem that hard..here are the rules regarding that transaction.

Devices Purchased at Full Retail Price

If you paid full retail price for an eligible device:

• T-Mobile will provide the SIM unlock code as long as:If you have a Prepaid Plan or Pay In Advance, unless purchased at a T-Mobile-branded store or from a T-Mobile national retailer, for up to 180 days after activation, devices will only work on the T-Mobile network with the SIMs included at activation.

  • Your T-Mobile account is in good standing; and

  • The device has been completely paid for (you must fax the proof of purchase to T-Mobile).

I am reading above that all you would need to do is fax T-Mobile the proof of purchase and they should unlock it for you. However since the 521 could be a “pre-paid device” these rules may apply but there was no clarification given by T-Mobile on this.

Devices with Prepaid Plans or Pay In Advance

If you have a Prepaid Plan or Pay In Advance on an eligible device:

• T-Mobile will provide the SIM unlock code upon request as long as:
  • Your T-Mobile account is in good standing;
  • You have had service in the last 60  days  with T-Mobile;
  • You have had greater than $50.00 in total refills;
  • The device has not been reported as lost or stolen;
  • T-Mobile has verified usage of the IMEI applicable to the device; and
  • The device has been completely paid for.
• Unless purchased at a T-Mobile-branded store or from a T-Mobile national retailer, for up to 180 days after activation, devices will only work on the T-Mobile network with the SIMs included at activation.

My gut feeling on this is that only the first set of rules apply but I am not a 100%.  I will update this post as I get more information form T-Mobile customer service.  If you want to check all the rules out for yourself you can so here.

 

 

More from Miscellaneous

---