I wanted to ask tmo_tim creator of the policy on tmobile.com about the SIM UNLOCK, or any T-Mobile employee, the about this. I just had a really bad experience requesting my SIM UNLOCK code even though I was eligible. I saw that even under the policy tmo_tim posted in the support docs at http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588, they would not give the SIM UNLOCK code. Here is the conditions of my situation:
Purchased a Samsung Galaxy S4 IN FULL, $579.99, without contract, 6/16/2013 attached at the moment to Postpaid Monthly Contractless Service ($70 Unlimited Plan). At first time I requested the code, they said I had to wait till I had the service for 40 days. Then on the 40th day, I made the request again, and they denied it again, making up a policy that wasn't in your support docs. They said "You must make 2 minimum monthly payments". - Obviously there is no policy like this, according to your doc. My service is active and paid for, and they should have provided the SIM UNLOCK. So I had to request it a third time, this time Customer Service agreed with me, the policy wasn't being followed, or wasn't transparent enough.
I got a request of T-Mobile support and any executive if they get this. If someone buys their phone outright, they should be eligible for the SIM UNLOCK code outright. It should be an option to automatically submit the request through Customer Service or through the website, because technically, we own the phone and have the right to have the SIM UNLOCKED if it is not on the Contract plan. The policy should be examined to find out if there's a way that a person under contract would not be able to pay the phone off before the contract is over, or if they have the installation plan, if they will still be required to pay it off or not. Because, really, if a person is able to buy the phone and pay it off, or if they are expected to because of contract, then they technically own their device too, even before the contract is paid off, T-Mobile should be providing the SIM UNLOCK codes because it is technically our phone - we own the hardware outright, and have the right to port it, install alternative SIMs, travel, etc, and access all the locked features on the phone. There is no reason T-Mobile should restrict access to the SIM UNLOCK codes. I think you are bullshitting people and scamming them.
The SIM UNLOCK code is not just for travelers, it's also for power users who wish to unlock the full potential of their devices. These phones are basically like PDAs/little tablets, who the heck wants a SIM LOCK on their device in the first place? This is why T-Mobile should re-streamline the process again, and offer anyone who is paying the device off or has paid it off, full unrestricted access to the code. There is really no reason to LOCK the devices in the first place. They should also consider just selling all the devices UNLOCKed, stop trying to scam people and locking people who paid for their device into your service when there is no reason to. We have the right to do with our devices what we wish to, and we don't need false restriction on our service or devices.
Also, T-Mobile sells the devices for the cost of an UNLOCKED device, why is it LOCKED then?