at&t

One would think that if you bought an iPhone 5 at full price and off-contract that it would already be unlocked. Apparently, that is only partially correct.

While Verizon sells Apple's next-generation smartphone at full price already unlocked out of the box, that is apparently not the case with AT&T. Normally, AT&T customers who opt to pay the full $649 price instead of agreeing to a two-year contract for a subsidized iPhone must follow a lengthy process to get handset unlocked.

Those AT&T customers must fill out a Web form, send a fax to AT&T, and wait as long as a week for word on whether it will allow the device to be unlocked.

However, it now appears that unsubsidized AT&T iPhones ship unlocked and that off-contract customers can save a lot of hassle and time by simply restoring the device in iTunes. … Read more

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission made remarks today that indicate the agency may review complaints filed about AT&T's decision to limit the use of FaceTime video chat over its cell network, The Verge reported.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said he couldn't comment on AT&T specifically, but if efforts to resolve any disputes aren't resolved and a complaint is filed, "we will exercise our responsibilities and we will act."

An FCC representative confirmed to CNET that Genachowski made the comment during a question and answer session after a speech at … Read more

The Verizon iPhone 5 comes unlocked out of the box, a Verizon representative confirmed with CNET today.

Reports have been trickling out over the last 24 hours or so saying that Verizon's iPhone 5 can used on AT&T's network.

A Verizon representative confirmed that it is "GSM unlocked" -- and that the iPhone is unlocked out of the box.

Of course, there are a bunch of caveats. This "feature" could be "fixed" via a future update. And AT&T's and Verizon's 3G/4G-class networks achieve different levels … Read more

Sprint said stores on the East Coast were "seriously constrained or sold out" of iPhone 5 inventory just hours after the device went on sale.

"We are extremely pleased with the response from new and existing customers to iPhone 5 from Sprint," said a Sprint representative.

AT&T hasn't yet provided any details on how sales went, but there were short or no lines at its stores. A Verizon Wireless representative said there continued to be inventory at its stores.

Usually for an Apple … Read more

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Check out Scott Stein's comprehensive review of the Apple iPhone 5.

- Scott writes about the 5 things that surprised him about the iPhone 5.

- Apple delivers iOS 6, available for download now.

- First Look video of Apple's new Maps application.

- How to control your privacy settings on iOS 6.

- Apple Lightning Adapter adds life to your old gear.

- Sony unveils super slim PlayStation 3.

- … Read more

Sprint Nextel has been rolling out its high-speed LTE network, but the faster network could come with a downside for customers -- higher prices.

Chief Executive Dan Hesse, speaking at an analyst conference today, said Sprint may consider raising prices once it has made more progress with its 4G LTE network upgrade. The company lags Verizon Wireless and AT&T in building out the high-speed network, something that could limit its attraction to customers.

"We have a competitive disadvantage in terms of LTE footprint," Hesse said. "You don't increase your price when you have a … Read more

The iPhone 5 may prove so popular that many people may willing to upgrade early and pay full price for the device, the chief executive of AT&T said.

Randall Stephenson, speaking today during an analyst conference, said anecdotally that the carrier is seeing "a lot" of people show willingness to buy the new Apple devices outside of their upgrade cycle. That means they pay $649 for the 16GB version of the phone versus the $199 it costs when subsidized for AT&T contract customers.

But Stephenson cautioned he doesn't yet have any data, and … Read more

AT&T mobile subscribers in Seattle and Portland can now grab their own slice of LTE.

The carrier announced today that it has turned the switch on its high-speed network for customers in both cities. That brings AT&T's total number of LTE-enabled markets to 72.

Earlier this month, the company activated 4G LTE access in Anchorage, Alaska, Bakersfield, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Modesto, Calif., Omaha, Neb., Syracuse, N.Y., and Bridgeport, Conn.

An AT&T spokesman told CNET that the company plans to reach a total of 100 cities by the end of 2012 and complete … Read more