It seems that under certain circumstances, it is possible to have Cingular provide the unlock code. For those who have successfully done this, how long did it take from the time the customer service rep took your info to the time that you received the unlock code?

Typically, it can be anywhere from 30-90 days. If you've been a customer for 3 months or more, you shouldn't have any problem.

A bit of clarification: I spoke to a rep today. She took my IMEI and said that I should be getting an email with the unlock code. How long does it take to receive such an email message?

3-7 business days

but you should get notified through whatever method you gave that rep (email, phone #), no matter if the unlock request is accepted or denied for any reason.

Oh...LOL...my bad. Read your question incorrectly.

I got my 8700c unlocked twice (two different 8700cs) and they both took less than 48 hours.
Got my 8800 unlocked today, I don't know when will the email arrive, but I expect shortly too.

By the way, it is entirely NOT difficult to unlock through Cingular. NO "SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE" is needed...just call and ask kindly!

Please post to this thread when you get the code, I'm still waiting for mine, and just want to make sure that it doesn'tt get lost in the shuffle.

Back when I was with Cingular, can't you just buy the unlock code on the internet? I remember "buying" unlock codes from somewhere on the internet that provided them. Granted, it was just with a T616 or whatever hot phone was out there at the time, but it was possible.

Provided you don't end up talking to a rep that tells you that it can't be done...

Got the code! Thanks all for moral support

I called Cingular on Thursday morning (February 22, 2007) to request the unlock code for my 7290. After some discussion with the rep, I learned that the proper term is "subsidy unlock code." She took my phone number and e-mail address and said they would send the code. I asked about the IMEI number and she said they already had it on file; that made sense.

Later that afternoon, I received what seemed like a form e-mail from Cingular saying that they couldn't send the subsidy unlock code because the device didn't have the international roaming feature enabled. I thought it was; I've used the 7290 in China and South Africa. I checked on line and thought I saw that feature included, but whatever ...

I called back Friday morning (February 23, 2007) and explained the situation. The rep said she would take care of it and they would send the code. Nothing so far -- no rejection e-mail, anyway. Stay tuned ...

If you guys dont want the hassle of dealing with cingular, just simply unlock using a third party.. I got my 8800 unlocked through unlock8800.com and within a couple of hours I had a unlocked blackberry.

Well ... pretty painless!

I got the subsidy unlocking code and very detailed instructions in an e-mail from Cingular about an hour ago -- about two days from my initial request and about 30 hours after my follow-up call.

Tried it and it worked perfectly the first time.

I got it last night, took exactly 30 hours.


-------


NCCS-Subsidy Unlock <nccssubsidyunlock@cingular.com>
to me, NCCS-Subsidy

show details
Feb 23 (1 day ago)

This email contains the subsidy unlock code you requested for your Blackberry imei xxxxxxxxxxxx



The unlock code is xxxxxxxx. You have 5 tries to unlock the equipment. Subsidy unlock codes are specific for imei. Please verify the imei on the equipment by entering *#06# on the keypad of the equipment before entering the subsidy unlock code in the equipment. If this process is unsuccessful five times in a row, the phone will be permanently locked to the Cingular network.

BlackBerry device running handheld software version 4.1

For the device to display the software version, select "Options" then "About"

Step Action

1 Insert Cingular SIM into device

2 Power phone on and Turn off the radio (Turn Wireless Off option) VERY IMPORTANT.

3 Select "Settings"

4 Select "Options"

5 Select "Advanced Options"

6 Scroll down and select "SIM Card"

7 Type "MEPD"

- this will not display on screen

8 Type "MEP2"

- this will not display on screen

9 Enter the Unlock Code

10 Press enter

11 Reboot device. Device is now unlocked.







Thank you,



Subsidy Unlock Group

so the unlock code is 8 numbers long? i got 2 different numbers today. have not tried anything yet tho. i called and they gave me 2 8 digit numbers.

Mine was 16 digits. Should have said "sim unlock is (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)" And of course that's not to be confused with your IMEI number.

ok i understand, i will call them back and see what is happening. thanks

Done it with all my BB's...

Always get it within a week... if not, I call back!

I just asked to have my Cingular BB unlocked. Stopped at the store, they were very courteous, took down some info and said I would be receiving an email in 24-48 hours. 6 hours later the email arrived and now it's unlocked.

Cingular Rules!

yes i just got the code and unlocked it first time trying. im happy