There is a lot of mis information in this thread...
Carriers are required by law to unlock a phone that you own.
Per the FCC:
- Somewhere on their respective websites, carriers have to post an unlocking policy.
- Postpaid unlocking (eg, on a contract or device repayment plan) must be allowed if the contract period is over, an ETF has been paid, or device repayment completed.
- Carriers have 48 hours to unlock your phone after you request it be unlocked, unless they need more time.
- If you're deployed military personnel, you can unlock your phone at any time.
I've said it twice already but I've done this three time now already this year. Once on an iPhone, once on a Note 4 and just yesterday on the Lumia 830. I've had ZERO issues and the unlocking instructions / codes were sent to my email within 24 hours of my request.
You must have an AT&T account. That account has to have been active for a least 60-days and you must pay full / non contract price for the phone. You don't need to have had the specific phone for 60-days, just the account.
If you are being told otherwise (I never had to answer any questions when I've called) then simply explain the rules to them. My phone calls have been like this.
Me: I want to unlock this phone. I paid full retail price.
ATT: What's the IMEI of the device
Me: Gives it
ATT: Can you fax or email the receipt?
Me: Sure
ATT: Email the receipt to this address and use this case # in the Subject line
Me: Thanks
I send the email or the fax and the next day I have the unlocking code / instructions.
When I faxed them the receipt for my Note 4 is was not even purchased at ATT. It was an ATT branded phone that was purchased at Sams Club. The receipt clearly showed a purchase date that was 2 days prior to the unlock request..