Vodafone is gradually introducing a system under which certain mobile devices will be hard-locked to the Vodafone network. You'll be required to pay a fee to Vodafone if you want to use hard-locked devices on other mobile networks. All other devices will continue to be “Soft-Locked”: that is, the devices are locked to the Vodafone network but can be unlocked without charge.
How to identify hard-locked devices?
Devices that are hard-locked will be identified by a sticker or message on the outside of the device packaging. This sticker or message will advise the terms and conditions of device locking.
How can the devices be unlocked?
You have two options to unlock your device which both require you to have a credit card:
1. Using Vodafone’s website at http://www.vodafone.com.au/unlock
2. Contacting the Contact Centre Note - Customers without a credit card will eventually be able to pay cash to unlock their mobiles, but in the meantime please use either of the above methods.
What are the unlocking fees?
The unlock fee is structured as follows:
A basic fee of $50 to unlock the device at any time, reduced to $25 if you unlock your devices using Vodafone’s website at http://www.vodafone.com.au/unlock ; plus
An additional fee of $50 to unlock devices within six months of purchase.
For example:
If you want to unlock your device within the first six months of purchase via the website you will pay $75.
If you want to unlock your device within the first six months of purchase via the Contact Centre you will pay $100.
See below for Apple® iPhone™ 3G Unlocking.
If Apple® iPhone™ 3G is less than 6 months old and if:
Unlock is via self-service on website, the charge is $75 dollars
Customer care completes unlock request, the charge is $100 dollars
If Apple® iPhone™ 3G is Older than 6 months and if:
Unlock is via self-service on website, then charge is $25 dollars
Customer care completes unlock request, the charge is $50 dollars.
How do I know if my device is unlocked?
You will be able to use a Non-Vodafone SIM in the device.
Please Note: The Blackberry Storm is locked to the Vodafone network and cannot be unlocked.
