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Unlocking SMT 5600 - Almost there

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Posted by: fduvall

There is a great site in the UK that is actively discussing unlocking the SMT 5600. They are already unlocking the Euro versions and should have the US version any day now. It will cost about $36.00. Here is the thread:

http://smartphone.modaco.com/viewto...der=asc&start=0

Here is the site to unlock:

http://www.c500-unlock.com/

Here is the Yahoo Group to join that will notify you when the unlcok codes are released:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unlockthe5600today/

Good luck


Posted by: edvisor

Thanks for the info.

Hopefully there will be an unlock method before my 30-day try-out expires. With the possibility of Cingular leaving me no choice but to chose one of there plans and buy a new phone when my AT&T contract expires, it has me thinking about returning it. It's a great phone that I planned on having more than a year.

Of course unless Cingular would exept the diferance in the price I paid for one of there phones. Thats a different story, Lets see...


Posted by: autigers20

i don't know how "actively" they are discussing anything. I've been watching that thread for a good 2 weeks and nothing interesting has been posted since Florin's message 5 days ago that it "might" be up to 2 more weeks. For those of us who have been waiting at least that long - we'll believe it when we see it.


Posted by: fduvall

Well - When I saw it the first time, Florin's last message was brand new. And while we are waiting for a solution, time definitely seems to move more slowly. At $36.00/phone, I am sure that they are VERY motivated to find a solution for the US market.

FDuvall

Quote:
Originally posted by autigers20
i don't know how "actively" they are discussing anything. I've been watching that thread for a good 2 weeks and nothing interesting has been posted since Florin's message 5 days ago that it "might" be up to 2 more weeks. For those of us who have been waiting at least that long - we'll believe it when we see it.



Posted by: splintercell

Frankly, I'll admit that I have no idea how that firmware programming process really works. Is it something where it consists of so many stages, each with so many tasks, that take so and so man hours to do, we have two people working on it, we can estimate the total length, and since we have 56% of it done, there is only so and so much time left?

Or is it more along the lines of trying some random codes, and seeing what sticks, in which case it could be done tomorrow, or next year?

And, for argument's sake, what if it can't be software unlocked at all? (I mean, for example the T-Mobile h6315 is not unlockable by any piece of software out there, at least not anything that's been talked about, and you need to request an unlock code from the carrier.)

In the end, unless more information is revealed to the common folks, it's either unlockable or it's not. No "almost". No "soon". I can either have it done, or I'm stuck with AT&T. Simple as that.


Posted by: edvisor

For one, I think all SMT5600 users should contact AT&T and request unlock codes (i did). Depending on the contract you signed with AT&T, you may only use this phone for one year. I'm on a 30-day trial and made that clear on my email to AT&T. I refuse to keep an expensive phone for just one year and then not be able to use or sell it because there is no compatible carrier.


Posted by: splintercell

It will be interesting to see how you fare. I was under the impression that AT&T didn't give out unlock codes. It would be nice if the solution were as simple as that.


Posted by: autigers20

a couple years ago i tried everything but selling my soul to get one out of them with no luck. i'd say your only hope is to say a prayer every night for florin at www.c500-unlock.com.


Posted by: adkalra

Do you think Cingular will now unlock ATT phones?


Posted by: fduvall

I thought that Cingular's policy was to unlock all tri or quad band world phones.

FDuvall

Quote:
Originally posted by adkalra
Do you think Cingular will now unlock ATT phones?



Posted by: adkalra

The 5600 would definately fall into this category being that it is a tri-band and questionably a quad band phone.


Posted by: mistad

Here is my dilemma... I NEED MY 5600 UNLOCKED. and I have to still be able to use wm10! I know there are people working on it, but I just can't wait to use it. You see I bought it ahead of time hoping the unlock gods would save me. I'm going to try and hold out. If I get too impatient I might have to flash it with c500 firmware, but I would hate to lose wm10.

UNLOCK gods hear my prayer!!!!!!





Posted by: splintercell

Here's my somewhat downbeat take. AT&T won't give out unlock codes. Cingular won't even bother supporting it, since it isn't their phone, you can still use it on AT&T's plans, and Cingular wants you to get a new phone to use their plans.

Florin may or may not succeed in unlocking the AT&T firmware, who knows.

I think what will end up being the easiest (and maybe fastest) way is to wait for Orange or I-mate to release new firmware with WMP 10 Mobile, and then flash the Audiovox with that firmware.


Posted by: mistad

I just returned my MPX220 after playing with the Audiovox... Now I REALLY need it unlocked!!!!!!!!!


Posted by: edvisor

As I said before, I tried the impossible and emailed AT&T explaining the situation and asked for an unlock-code. Yeah, I know that no human has ever been successful getting any unlock code from them. But after seeing the Red Sox pull-off the impossible... "Why Not" give it a try!

Well no response yet. I figure I'd give the rep who reads the email a couple of days. You know... so he could pass it to a higher authority who will realize that they are going to lose hundreds of customers unless they provide the unlocking of the SMT5600.

You guy's "have" been emailing AT&T to unlock your phone?... Have you?
Come on...

https://www.attwireless.com/ocs/con...ContactUs.jhtml


Posted by: mistad

But I don't even have an account with them. Do you think I should still try???


Posted by: adkalra

I tried calling audiovox technical support line. They new nothing about the phone being locked, or how to begin to unlock it. They said 6 zeros or 6 one's is usually the unlock code. This is clearly not the sim-lock code.
I would call ATT, but I am not a customer. I think it is worth a shot for cingular and ATT customers to call their respective carriers to attempt to get this phone unlocked.


Posted by: splintercell

Quote:
Originally posted by edvisor
You know... so he could pass it to a higher authority who will realize that they are going to lose hundreds of customers unless they provide the unlocking of the SMT5600.


See, the funny thing is, even if they lost every single person that bought the Audiovox (hey, even 5 friends influenced by each), and had to essentially write that phone off, I somehow don't think the new AT&T/Cingular would really care.


Posted by: autigers20

They will lose hundreds of customer BY providing unlock codes. whatever profit they have in the phone is minute compared to the profit they make in your month-to-month usage. They are not in the phone business - they are in the phone service business. AT&T WILL NOT provide you unlock codes. I bought an AT&T sony ericsson t68i from ebay that was supposed to be unlocked but wasn't and tried to get the unlock code from them. i explained to them that i was in New Zealand - the phone was with me - there was absolutely zero chance it would ever be used on the AT&T network again (they obviously don't even have coverage in NZ) - and i wanted to use it on a network down there. I talked to every manager known to man - emailed every person i could find that worked at AT&T - begged - pled - like i said did everything short of selling my soul - and all i got for my efforts was a not so polite - "no".

Cingular WILL NOT provide you unlock codes for AT&T phones either - they don't even have them (even if they do get them after the merger - it hasn't gone through yet).

I'm telling you i've been down this road before - there is absolutely no way to get your phones unlocked short of Florin coming up with a way. Don't waste your time. Don't waste his time telling him how badly you want it, and don't make the wait harder for the rest of us by whining about it. He's working on it. Just be patient...


Posted by: edvisor

DENIED!

Here's the response I recieved from AT&T about unlocking my SMT5600...

Your device has been manufactured to operate exclusively on AT&T’s network and cannot be unlocked or activated with any other wireless carrier.

Cingular's rate plans and services require unique software in your phone to function properly. Unfortunately, AT&T Wireless mobile phones are not equipped to support many of the benefits of Cingular's voice and data services. Therefore, to take advantage of the latest services Cingular offers, a new handset is required.

Making the transition to a Cingular mobile phone is easy. Plus, we offer a wide selection of innovative phones. From basic voice and text messaging capable mobile phones to state-of-the art models with integrated cameras, multimedia messaging and wireless Internet features, we're confident we have a mobile phone to meet your needs.

AT&T Wireless offers our customers the ability to upgrade their phones, and has a wide selection of today's most innovative wireless phones. We offer our customers the ability to upgrade their phones without having to change their wireless phone number, and you will maintain your current account tenure. Please note that the pricing for equipment that is listed on the website is only for new activations. Pricing may vary for phone upgrades with existing service.

The links they provided me were only to AT&T phones. This would only put me in the same predicament I'm in now. What A**holes!

How Ironic!


Posted by: splintercell

Shucks.


Posted by: Smorphine

How do I flash my smt 5600 (ATT) to the C500 (orange) to unlock. I know I will lose the 850 band and WM10.


Posted by: autigers20

contact: support@imei-check.co.uk


Posted by: captnoir

To adkalra, why do you say questionably a quad band phone? Just curious..


Posted by: adkalra

The reason I say questionably a quad band phone:

The audiovox phone we all have is advertised as a triband 850/1800/1900. While the Orange c500 is advertised as 900/1800/1900. As you may know from this thread and many others like this one. Florin said he will can currently unlock the audiovox, but we lose WM 10 and 850 band, while gaining 900 band. In essence he can turn our phone into an organge c500. So the hardware between the two phones must be identical indicating all 4 bands are supported from a hardware perspective. If only there is a way to open up the software/firmware to recognize all 4 bands at the same time. I am not sure if that is possible or not. Florin might be able to answer that question better.

That is why is say questionably a quad band.


Posted by: captnoir

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it. I agree, that would be great if you could get all 4 bands to work at once. Now, by florin doing that, does that mean you could flip back and forth between the c500 and smt5600 versions, depending on where you are in the country, that'd be a nice trick as well.


Posted by: adkalra

Again, I am not sure if this is even possible. But I do agree with you, it would be very nice to be able to turn switch between US mode (850/1900) and International mode (900/1900). First thing first, I would love to have this phone nunlocked so I can use it here in the US, and worry about the quad band thing on some other rainy day.


Posted by: fduvall

Maybe I missed something, but where did Florin say this? It is my understanding that SIM unlocking is just that...unlocking the SIM so that you can use other carriers. You might be able to flach this phone to be a C500, but that is a different process. Am I wrong?

FDuvall


Quote:
Originally posted by adkalra
The reason I say questionably a quad band phone:

Florin said he will can currently unlock the audiovox, but we lose WM 10 and 850 band, while gaining 900 band. In essence he can turn our phone into an organge c500.



Posted by: adkalra

Actually you must get them both done. If you get the audiovox unlocked, the phone shows some corrupt data error (or something like that). The phone then needs to be reflashed to a c500 firmware to work again. Florin is working on some simple solution so the phone can work as an audiovox (i.e. with 850 and WM 10) w/o having to be flashed to a c500. My question was, if we are having to flash the phones, why can't we flash it to an audiovox 5600 firmware rather than a c500 firmware?


Posted by: fduvall

I actually have the C500, but live in the US. Orange has given me a month of free service and I love the phone. Orange has told me that they will give me the unlock code, but I am interested to know if it is possible to somehow pick up the 850 band. If so, then I will drop Sprint and go with this phone exclusively. Otherwise, I will probably just use the C500 in Europe.

FDuvall

Quote:
Originally posted by adkalra
Actually you must get them both done. If you get the audiovox unlocked, the phone shows some corrupt data error (or something like that). The phone then needs to be reflashed to a c500 firmware to work again. Florin is working on some simple solution so the phone can work as an audiovox (i.e. with 850 and WM 10) w/o having to be flashed to a c500. My question was, if we are having to flash the phones, why can't we flash it to an audiovox 5600 firmware rather than a c500 firmware?



Posted by: george2350

Quote:
why can't we flash it to an audiovox 5600 firmware rather than a c500 firmware? [/B]


That is because an unlocked version of the Audiovox SMT5600 is not available. It would be a much easier process if only Cingular would release the phone - which would be unlocked like all the tri band phones they release.


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by adkalra
My question was, if we are having to flash the phones, why can't we flash it to an audiovox 5600 firmware rather than a c500 firmware?

You can flash the 5600 to Orange because there's a ROM upgrade you can download from their website.

AT&T hasn't release a ROM upgrade (as far as I've seen), so there's no easy way to flash it back on your phone after the unlock screws it up.


Posted by: psycho03

so if i understand this correctly the only way to "unlock" this phone is flash it to the orange firmware? i really just want to use this phone on t-mobile so i dont need the 850mhz band anyway


Posted by: aristoBrat

You can't flash your phone until after you've unlocked it.
Unlocking the phone will corrupt the AT&T ROM (i.e. the phone craps out before it finishes loading Windows)

To get your phone working again, you need to put another ROM on it. The only publicly available ROM image (currently) is the Orange one.


Posted by: psycho03

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
You can't flash your phone until after you've unlocked it.
Unlocking the phone will corrupt the AT&T ROM (i.e. the phone craps out before it finishes loading Windows)

To get your phone working again, you need to put another ROM on it. The only publicly available ROM image (currently) is the Orange one.



is the rom swap difficult?


Posted by: aristoBrat

You just download the Orange ROM upgrade program, install it on your PC and then run it.

It'll tell you to hook up your phone to the USB cable, and then tells you to turn the phone off, hold down some special keys while you're turning it back on (it'll boot into a special mode).

Takes about 20 minutes...


Posted by: psycho03

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
You just download the Orange ROM upgrade program, install it on your PC and then run it.

It'll tell you to hook up your phone to the USB cable, and then tells you to turn the phone off, hold down some special keys while you're turning it back on (it'll boot into a special mode).

Takes about 20 minutes...


not bad.......now my next question, is there an unbranded software out for this phone yet?>


Posted by: aristoBrat

Keep your eyes peeled for an imate ROM upgrade (which I haven't seen publicly available yet, but will probably appear in a month or so with the WMP10 update in it). Their SP3 phone is the same hardware as the C500/SMT5600.

The imate branding is pretty much limited to the initial bootscreen.

You'll see the word "Smartphone" every place you'd expect to see a carrier's name (like on the Call Progress screen, etc)

They don't install any carrier specific things like mMode or the Orange backup utilities...


Posted by: Vapotrini

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
Keep your eyes peeled for an imate ROM upgrade (which I haven't seen publicly available yet, but will probably appear in a month or so with the WMP10 update in it). Their SP3 phone is the same hardware as the C500/SMT5600.


aristoBrat, did you get confirmation from imate about wmp10? I want to be sure this is going to happen.


Posted by: aristoBrat

I'm basing my assumption posts like this (although I screwed up the date -- I thought it was November):

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/f...om+update#43459

Quote:
I'm dying for a Smartphone but I'm waiting 2 or 3 weeks for the following reasons:

The Mpx220 is scheduled for release in Cingular stores. I can't imagine the Mpx220 getting into company stores without at least some fixes for the problems being mentioned so lets see what is going to happen here. If there is a delay or no release after the 30 day Best Buy exclusive is up this will certainly be worrisome.

The AT&T merger is rumored to be official any day now. If the Audiovox SMT5600 is added to the Cingular lineup officially or unofficially this may make things interesting.

If neither of the above work out, the iMate SP3i should begin to show up by Mid-November with support for 850 MHz GSM in North America. I'm impressed with iMate. Unlike Motorola's canned responses, I emailed them and asked them directly if the SP3/SP3i would be getting Windows Media Player 10. I receieved a personal response with the answer that these phones are scheduled to get WMP 10 in December via ROM update. I must say, the promise of regular ROM updates and bugfixes and not being tied to carrier-specific software limitations (Bluetooth profiles etc) is very appealing even though the cost of hardware will be more up front without a carrier subsidy.



Posted by: psycho03

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
Keep your eyes peeled for an imate ROM upgrade (which I haven't seen publicly available yet, but will probably appear in a month or so with the WMP10 update in it). Their SP3 phone is the same hardware as the C500/SMT5600.

The imate branding is pretty much limited to the initial bootscreen.

You'll see the word "Smartphone" every place you'd expect to see a carrier's name (like on the Call Progress screen, etc)

They don't install any carrier specific things like mMode or the Orange backup utilities...



you rule


Posted by: duchski

Quote:
Originally posted by edvisor
For one, I think all SMT5600 users should contact AT&T and request unlock codes (i did). Depending on the contract you signed with AT&T, you may only use this phone for one year. I'm on a 30-day trial and made that clear on my email to AT&T. I refuse to keep an expensive phone for just one year and then not be able to use or sell it because there is no compatible carrier.


Why would you think that Cingular would let you use the phone on their network???? Since the beginning of year we (AT&T users) can use Cingular like it is ours and vice versa.........
That's some crazy talk....


Posted by: duchski

Quote:
Originally posted by edvisor
DENIED!

Here's the response I recieved from AT&T about unlocking my SMT5600...

Your device has been manufactured to operate exclusively on AT&T’s network and cannot be unlocked or activated with any other wireless carrier.

Cingular's rate plans and services require unique software in your phone to function properly. Unfortunately, AT&T Wireless mobile phones are not equipped to support many of the benefits of Cingular's voice and data services. Therefore, to take advantage of the latest services Cingular offers, a new handset is required.

How Ironic! [/B]


That's just a marketing scheme.
You can use any GSM phone with either Cingular or ATTWS.
Let's see what happens after the merger is compelete, I bet they will let us use existing AT&T phones (by making Cingular network accept AT&T SIM - already done since the beginning of the year when both companies started to get rid of redundant coverage forced in part by an agreement with the FTC)
I donot think they will leave us high and dry with useless AT&T phones....... On the other hand I do not care for CIngular or AT&T improvements to software/frimware that translates into branding (mMode for internet etc.)....
On the other hand I really want my phone unclocek so I can teak it to Europe to use on the 1800 network...


Posted by: wookieloou

does anyone know how to use, if at all available, the smt5600 with no sim card in it. it's prompting "Invalid or missing SIM card." with a done button that does not advance screens. i have someone buying this phone for t-mobile who is waiting for the unlock process to be publicized and i told him it would be usable without a sim. any help would be greatly appreciated.

i thought flight-mode might work but it won't even let me switch into the mode while there is no sim card present. i'm gonna try and switch it to flight mode with sim in and then with sim not present with fmode already activated.


Posted by: amd

I was not able to with my tmo card. However if your friend wants to use it before it gets unlocked (hoping), would a (say $10) pay as you go sim work from att&t. Just an idea.


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by amd
I was not able to with my tmo card. However if your friend wants to use it before it gets unlocked (hoping), would a (say $10) pay as you go sim work from att&t. Just an idea.

That'd be my vote, too.

And switching gears, someone else just got an email from imate saying that WMP 10 would be released (for free) in December:

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/f...ighlight=#44012

Quote:
i emailed them also and didn't get an answer so i went to their web site and clicked their "live help" button. someone came online and was helpful. He said that they were expecting a shipment at the end of this week. i also emailed imate directly to get some answers. they said the phone was released already. they also said that it will not ship with Windows media 10 but they will offer a free upgrade in December. i also asked about the bluetooth stack that comes with the phone they said it wasn't a 3rd party stack but was microsofts but said it has built-in configuration for ActiveSync via Bluetooth. i have heard that activesync via bluetooth has been a problem with microsofts stack. lets hope it works and that the phone ships this week.



Posted by: edvisor

My email discussion with AT&T about unlocking the SMT5600 seems to have finally come to an end. Here’s how the last conversation went…


ME:

Quote:
From what I understand, the Audiovox SMT5600 I purchased is locked by AT&T and will not be usable on Cingular's network in the future unless if it were unlocked.

You also quoted in the previous email, “You will have to sign up for a new Cingular plan and phone at the end of your current AT&T contract”. Having just purchased an expensive phone and it not be usable after my one-year contract is up wouldn't make sense keeping it. Can AT&T unlock this phone for future use on Cingular?



THEM:

Quote:
Please note that AT&T Wireless customers will not be able to use the Cingular's SIM card in the AT&T Wireless Device. In return, an AT&T Wireless SIM in Cingular's device may result in an error as well. Customers will receive a wide array of message on the display of the device. (i.e. Enter Subsidy Code, Enter Unlock Code, SIM Unlock, etc) The equipment is shipped to AT&T Wireless as "SIM Locked" to AWS. The manufacturer does not provide AWS with the code necessary to unlock the devices to be used on another carrier. You can also find more information regarding this on the FCC's Frequently Asked Questions.


Then they go glorifying the merger and provided instructions on returning the phone if not satisfied.

So I called their bluff, and am sending the phone back!

If an unlock procedure does pop-up, I’ll get the phone again for free from Amazon.com


Posted by: Ishimaru

i'm really sick of cingular trying to get people to buy their phones. to be honest with you, i've been using a t-mobile branded phone ever since i got my service, and haven't had a single problem. so get this phone unlocked, and pop in your cingular sim, and you'll be ready to go. i don't see why cingluar is saying buy another phone, when all they have to do is unlock their current one and just use it as normal.


Posted by: autigers20

1) they don't have the unlock codes. they claim the manufacturer has not given them the unlock codes.

2) they don't want them. they could unlock the phone so you could use it on ther network - but then there's nothing stopping you from using it on tmobile or some other carrier.


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by autigers20
they could unlock the phone so you could use it on ther network - but then there's nothing stopping you from using it on tmobile or some other carrier.

I always thought that the Early Termination Fee ($175?) covered them in that case.


Posted by: autigers20

$175 might cover most phone subsidies they have - but they're not so much worried about that as they are about losing the hundreds and hundreds of dollars they would receive if that phone remained locked to their network. sure you may end up switching to another network regardless but that phone is still locked to their network and it's likely to end up in someon's hands who will pay them close to $100/month to use it.


Posted by: aristoBrat

Good point.

Hopefully the "new" Cingular will keep their tradition of not locking their phones, and NOT adopt AT&T's crappy policy.

Doesn't help for the SMT5600, but will for future Smartphones.

At least (for now) it looks like Florin is unlocking SMT5600's as long as you're cool w/ using the Orange ROM...


Posted by: edvisor

Quote:
i'm really sick of cingular trying to get people to buy their phones.



When I asked this question at the AT&T store, the rep said that this policy makes sense since the majority of customers will upgrade their phones after two years anyway.

But like I said... I spent allot of money on my phone for it not to be usable. I for one usually take advantage of the new phone promo every one or two years, but I still want my previous phone to be functional on the network I’m using so that I can…

1. use as a back-up,
2. pass it to a family member
or
3. sell it.

Why should I lose out!?


Posted by: Drait

Quote:
Originally posted by edvisor
Why should I lose out!?


In a toss-up between the company losing out, or the consumer losing out, guess which one wins?

They're never going to do things in the consumer's favor; it would be bad business.


Posted by: psycho03

just a thought, the whole "the new cingular 64k sim will not work in AWS equipment" is complete and utter b u l l ****.....the card is of no size difference, the the 64k sim will work in cingular phones that are NOT ENS compatable, which means this, they are lying and to cover their lie they are saying you need to buy one of their phones, even though any unlocked phone will work with their network just without ENS support (which you will not really notice anyway).......there was a cingular person trying to tell me that if you had an unlocked phone it would not work at all with the cingular data network, and i asked why and i get no response, because again, its b u l l ****


Posted by: ericctc

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
Good point.

Hopefully the "new" Cingular will keep their tradition of not locking their phones, and NOT adopt AT&T's crappy policy.

Doesn't help for the SMT5600, but will for future Smartphones.

At least (for now) it looks like Florin is unlocking SMT5600's as long as you're cool w/ using the Orange ROM...


Cingular started to lock their phone, but they have reasonable unlocking policies.


Posted by: george2350

Quote:
Cingular started to lock their phone, but they have reasonable unlocking policies.


I am not sure if they started doing this, but defenitely this is going to be the down the road. Not sure if that means by 11/15 or on a couple of months. But I am not really sure on the unlocking policies yet - would be interested if anyone has some inside perspective on this topic (please do not speculate - I can do that myself )


Posted by: ericctc

Quote:
Originally posted by george2350
I am not sure if they started doing this, but defenitely this is going to be the down the road. Not sure if that means by 11/15 or on a couple of months. But I am not really sure on the unlocking policies yet - would be interested if anyone has some inside perspective on this topic (please do not speculate - I can do that myself )


It started on 11/1/04. All new phones are locked to the network. You can still get some old stock that's not lock, but as for the new shipments after 11/1/04, they are locked.


Posted by: george2350

So what is the new policies - after 90 days you can get it unlocked free ? Or is it the contract length ? What if I am a long standing sutomer who has to travel internaltional?

All I can say is that it is good news for the 3rd party ulocking services...

George


Posted by: slocko

Once you flash the Orange rom back on the phone, do you still get the voice recognition dialling via Bluetooth headset?

I'm asking in case that BT stack only came with the original 5600 OS.


Posted by: Shinoo

Well looks like Florin got it working! You can now unlock your 5600 at the c500-unlock website! Sweet!


Posted by: MedEdGuy

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinoo
Well looks like Florin got it working! You can now unlock your 5600 at the c500-unlock website! Sweet!


Did you try it? I just did, and got a message "Data Crashes. Please contact your service center," which I think was the problem people had before he said he could do the 5600, so I don't know what the problem is. Ugh....


Posted by: Shinoo

Just did mine now and it's up and unlocked. Tried a T-Mobile sim in there and it's all good.

Hmmm, don't know about the error you got. Mine hung at stage two so I had to redo it, but it went straight through the second time without a hitch.


Posted by: slocko

perfect timing

i just ordered it from Amazon this afternoon. can't wait!


Posted by: MedEdGuy

Hmm.... just tried doing mine again, and I'm still getting the same error.

I emailed support to see if they have any idea of what the problem might be. I guess I can flash to the C500 ROM, but would rather see if I can get this fixed first.

Has anyone else been successful unlocking it??


Posted by: Shinoo

MedEdGuy: Which unlocker version did you use? The link that comes in the email is version 2 and the one that you can download from the C500-Unlock website is version 3, which is dated Nov 9th. I used version 3 and didn't have any probs...


Posted by: captnoir

Now by unlocking the phone what do you gain and lose? Like to know before I decide to do it. Thanks


Posted by: Shinoo

It looks like it's been confirmed that the problem with the "Data Crashes. Please contact your service center" messages occur if you use the V2 unlocker. Right now that's the one that comes in the email, although I'm sure they'll fix that.
Make sure you download the V3 unlocker from the website! The link is in the instructions on the page... ""The unlocker (DOWNLOAD HERE) will work with the given IMEI only"


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by slocko
Once you flash the Orange rom back on the phone, do you still get the voice recognition dialling via Bluetooth headset?

I'm asking in case that BT stack only came with the original 5600 OS.

Both the Orange and imate ROMs also have voice dialing over BT.


Posted by: MedEdGuy

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinoo
It looks like it's been confirmed that the problem with the "Data Crashes. Please contact your service center" messages occur if you use the V2 unlocker. Right now that's the one that comes in the email, although I'm sure they'll fix that.
Make sure you download the V3 unlocker from the website! The link is in the instructions on the page... ""The unlocker (DOWNLOAD HERE) will work with the given IMEI only"


Actually, I did use the one from the website, but it was indeed v2. I received an email back from them saying they had the wrong one posted on the site when I downloaded it.

Anyway, v3 works fine!


Posted by: Drait

Quote:
Originally posted by captnoir
Now by unlocking the phone what do you gain and lose? Like to know before I decide to do it. Thanks


You gain the ability to use the phone on any GSM network, including the use of prepaid SIMs in foreign countries.


Posted by: mgama

Way to go Florin!!! I'm going to the AT&T wireless store today to pick one up. Hopefully it won't be sold out when I get there. I'm just going to flat out buy it, and not try to get a lower price by agreeing to a contract through AT&T or Amazon, and then canceling it (too much hassle).


Posted by: aristoBrat

If they are sold out, Amazon does have an option to buy the phone w/o a contract...


Posted by: mgama

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
If they are sold out, Amazon does have an option to buy the phone w/o a contract...


I don't think I can wait to have it mailed to me. But maybe that would be a good thing, allowing any bugs/problems to surface before I get it.


Posted by: captnoir

Ok great. But does that give you the 900 band that is missing in the smt5600 or just allow for use on other carriers?


Posted by: emenindian

Quote:
Originally posted by captnoir
Ok great. But does that give you the 900 band that is missing in the smt5600 or just allow for use on other carriers?


use on other carriers


Posted by: MedEdGuy

Quote:
Originally posted by captnoir
Ok great. But does that give you the 900 band that is missing in the smt5600 or just allow for use on other carriers?


If you want the 900 band, you can unlock the phone, and then install the ROM update from Orange for the C500. However, you'll lose WMP 10.


Posted by: slocko

Good luck on that. I wasn't able to convince any of the employees to sell it without a plan. They interpret needing a data plan, as needing a contract.

I ordered mine from Amazon for $350 without a plan. Shipped today. I can't wait.

Quote:
Originally posted by mgama
Way to go Florin!!! I'm going to the AT&T wireless store today to pick one up. Hopefully it won't be sold out when I get there. I'm just going to flat out buy it, and not try to get a lower price by agreeing to a contract through AT&T or Amazon, and then canceling it (too much hassle).



Posted by: mgama

Quote:
Originally posted by slocko
Good luck on that. I wasn't able to convince any of the employees to sell it without a plan. They interpret needing a data plan, as needing a contract.

I ordered mine from Amazon for $350 without a plan. Shipped today. I can't wait.


I'm buying mine from Amazon right now as well. Apparently my money wasn't good enough for the AT&T stores.


Posted by: TEXMudder

Unlocking worked good for me. I was able to put in a T-Mobile sim card and use it. Thats about the only thing it has done. It didnt make it application unlocked or anything fun like that.


Posted by: iJITSU

Finally! Worked for me as well. Five minutes and unlocked.


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by TEXMudder
Unlocking worked good for me. I was able to put in a T-Mobile sim card and use it. Thats about the only thing it has done. It didnt make it application unlocked or anything fun like that.

That's all it does for any phone -- just SIM unlock it.

I haven't heard much about the 5600's application lock...


Posted by: TEXMudder

I found a semi unlocking program over at modaco.com. It at least unlocked my registry for the speed mods. I still have some apps that wont install. Heck even the AWS games they offer dont work.


Posted by: slocko

nice little phone. i can see now why people complain about the volume in the mpx220. the audivox is much much louder.

what i don't like about it, is that it doesn't have the voice recognition software like the mpx220. you have to record voice tags.

but overall, i like it. now i have to make a hard decision on which one to keep

oh yeah, the unlocking went smoothly!


Posted by: mgama

Quote:
Originally posted by slocko
the unlocking went smoothly!


Unlocking went well here too! I'm as pleased as can be.

Question, what exactly is application locking? As a test, I created a very simple Smartphone application in VisualStudio.NET, and it ran fine on the phone. I was expecting it to give me an error because it hadn't been signed with AT&T's stamp of approval.


Posted by: kkj1961

I would like to know more about application unlocking as well. Does Florin's unlocking service just unlock the sim or is the phone application unlocked as well. Can you load apps purchased at Handango or Smartphone.net?


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by slocko
what i don't like about it, is that it doesn't have the voice recognition software like the mpx220. you have to record voice tags.

You can buy software like that for WM Smartphones that don't have it included:

http://www.fonix.com/page.cfm?name=...voicedial&ID=14

There's another one, but I forget its name.


Posted by: TEXMudder

I cant exactly answer what application locking is. I am pretty new to this whole smart phone thing. I do know that some applications simply will not install and you get messages about not having a certificate. I dont know if its how some is coding their program or how the phone works. Like SplashID for example had to come out with a new version for the SMT5600 to make it work for the 5600. The games off the AT&T site dont work and those are made by MS and distributed by AT&T. If anything would work I would assume it would be those.

I do know that parts of the registry are locked out be default which I found highly annoying. The program I found fixed that.

Florins unlocker ONLY unlocks the SIM. It will not do anything else.

As far as loading apps from Handango or Smartphone.net, its been hit or miss for me. Some load, some dont.


Posted by: slocko

Hey thanks. Sounds pretty awesome.

I wonder if it integrates with the Bluetooth headsets???? Right now when I activate voice recongition on my car kit, it activates the voice recognition on the 5600. I wonder if this will replace that so that is activated instead. Time to research!

Quote:
Originally posted by aristoBrat
You can buy software like that for WM Smartphones that don't have it included:

http://www.fonix.com/page.cfm?name=...voicedial&ID=14

There's another one, but I forget its name.



Posted by: aristoBrat

It didn't "integrate" on mine. When I dialed from the headset, it brought up the voicetag audio prompt.


Posted by: slocko

Okay, that would suck major then. The only time I use voice recognition is in the car.

I emailed their support, but from your experience I am ruling this product out.


Posted by: Drait

Fonix is working to integrate Bluetooth dialing into their VoiceDial product. They couldn't give a specific timeframe, but I'm guessing it'll be sometime in the near future.

So don't rule it out just yet; it does have the best voice recog. engine around ;D


Posted by: slocko

Well, I just got this from their support:

I am sorry, but we are no longer supporting a retail version of VoiceDial or VoiceCentral as
of Nov 11, 2004. We have had to refocus our efforts, and so I can no longer support the
products. ScanSoft and NeuVoice both still have products that maybe an option for you. I
hope that this will not be to much of a hardship


Posted by: aristoBrat

WTF?

Maybe they sold the product to someone else???


Posted by: Drait

Just got off the phone w/ the VoiceDial dept @ Fonix... the person there (Rick) said they are pulling away from the consumer market with the VoiceDial/Voice Central products and are going to be focusing directly on OEMs for device integration.

Version 2.0 is the latest (and final) consumer version of VoiceDial that they will be making and supporting, and that they WILL be adding bluetooth support to a future version, but it most likely won't be called VoiceDial, and it won't be available except through carriers and/or preloaded on devices.

Not entirely the answers we were hoping for, but it's a bit more clear as to the reasoning behind their decisions.


Posted by: hecklerz

Well, I read though all the replies to this post and unless I goofed and missed a post (it's happened ), I didn't see anything about a Cingular sim card working in it. Sooo.....

1. Has anyone popped their Cingular card in? Did it work? I would prefer to use my Cingular sim since I have unlimited data on that account.

2. Did you have to use that 3rd party unlocker to make it work?

3. If you didn't already have a PDA type ATT phone before, did your ATT card from your old phone work in this 'Smartphone'? (I have a company issued AT&T LG phone that I hate, but could use the sim from)

I just ordered this from Amazon so any replies are appreciated and

Cheers!

KHarris


Posted by: slocko

when you unlock any gsm phone it works on any gsm carrier for the bands the phones support.

in the US that means it works for Tmobile, Cingular, and ATT.

after unlocking my 5600 i popped in my Tmobile SIM card that is at least 4 years old and it worked fine. you even have access to your sim contacts.

Quote:
Originally posted by hecklerz
Well, I read though all the replies to this post and unless I goofed and missed a post (it's happened ), I didn't see anything about a Cingular sim card working in it. Sooo.....

1. Has anyone popped their Cingular card in? Did it work? I would prefer to use my Cingular sim since I have unlimited data on that account.

2. Did you have to use that 3rd party unlocker to make it work?

3. If you didn't already have a PDA type ATT phone before, did your ATT card from your old phone work in this 'Smartphone'? (I have a company issued AT&T LG phone that I hate, but could use the sim from)

I just ordered this from Amazon so any replies are appreciated and

Cheers!

KHarris



Posted by: joedoe101

But will SMT5600 support the new 64mb Cingular SIM card?

Quote:
Originally posted by slocko
when you unlock any gsm phone it works on any gsm carrier for the bands the phones support.

in the US that means it works for Tmobile, Cingular, and ATT.



Posted by: chiapete

so about all this fuss and propoganda about the cingular merger... what exactly won't be compatible when they switch over or what features would we not have access to?


Posted by: Drait

Quote:
Originally posted by chiapete
so about all this fuss and propoganda about the cingular merger... what exactly won't be compatible when they switch over or what features would we not have access to?


The big fuss was that Cingular is requiring AT&T customers to purchase a new phone before providing a Cingular plan. And one of the phones Cingular is not intending on selling is the SMT 5600 (or any variant thereof).

Feature-wise, AT&T customers should have access to all the Cingular network for roaming and for mobile-to-mobile calling. We probably won't get rollover minutes unless we switch to a Cingular plan (and branded phone, or any unlocked gsm phone)

By the by, I was comparing Cingular's subsidized handset prices with AT&T's (without any FAN/CDA discounts) and noticed Cingular charges significantly more for their handsets, even with 2yr contracts. WTF is that about?


Posted by: aristoBrat

Quote:
Originally posted by Drait
WTF is that about?

The average cost of acquiring a customer, Cost Per Gross Add ("CPGA").

My guess is that AT&T was dumping way more money into CPGA (via the phone subsidy) to make up for all the customers they lost at the end of last year/beginning of this year.


Posted by: Bodieism

If I bought this phone: http://cgi.ebay.com/...... would I be able to activate it on Verizon Wireless' network? Also I was wondering if that would work if it would only work in the enhanced service area or if it would work with the America's Choice network. Any help would be greatly appreciated and I do apologize if this information is available somewhere on this forum but I have tried searching to no avail.


Posted by: aristoBrat

That phone (SMT 5600) only works on GSM networks (like Cingular, T-Mobile, SunCom).

Verizon (and Sprint) are CDMA networks, so GSM phones will not work on them.

FWIW, the fact that cool/inexpensive Smartphones are impossible to find on CDMA networks is the main reason I switched from Sprint to T-Mobile.




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