I don't visit the 640 forum much so if this is a re-post, I ask a moderator to delete it.
I have given several 640s as gifts and saw that AT&T has dropped the price to $59 for the Lumia 640 GoPhone.
If you aren't aware, AT&T will unlock an AT&T phone for non-AT&T customers. I think it has something to do with complaints from people who bought used phones and got burned. Anyway, if you aren't a current or recent AT&T customer and the phone isn't on an AT&T contract, you can get an unlock code without even opening the box since the IMEI is printed on the box. You do need to check the box that you are NOT an AT&T customer on the request form. Here is a link to request an unlock code: https://forums.windowscentral.com/e...Y-_LJs6mBKcjh1U0y8t4rDlQ%23%2F&token=PM5Psybb Yes, the first page does say a GoPhone has to have been in use for 6 months but apparently that does not apply to non-AT&T customers and GoPhones that have never been activated.
I have always received the code via email within 24 hours of the request. I don't know if AT&T intends it work this way or might change the policy. If it was a govt reg that caused them to do this, they might not be able to change it. Since the phones themselves are not branded as GoPhones, it woud not be reasonable for a buyer of a used phone to know if it was a GoPhone or not.
I always wait until I get the unlock code before opening the box or giving the phone as a gift so I can return it if the request gets rejected.
And if you think you might damage your phone, if you buy it at Walmart.com you can get 24 months of zero deductible and transferable insurance for $9. Might be worth checking the in-store price for the insurance at time of purchase. Sometime its higher, sometimes its lower.
While the phones can be used on any GSM carrier once unlocked, OS and firmware updates will come thru AT&T by default. That may mean delays or even no updates in the future. But the Insider program bypasses the carrier, so as long as that program is available, you will be able to get updates regardless of what AT&T does.
Someone posted that T-Mobile WiFi calling will work on any 640 LTE. I have my doubts but will know later today if true since I am giving one of these to a T-Mobile customer. I'll post what I find.
I have given several 640s as gifts and saw that AT&T has dropped the price to $59 for the Lumia 640 GoPhone.
If you aren't aware, AT&T will unlock an AT&T phone for non-AT&T customers. I think it has something to do with complaints from people who bought used phones and got burned. Anyway, if you aren't a current or recent AT&T customer and the phone isn't on an AT&T contract, you can get an unlock code without even opening the box since the IMEI is printed on the box. You do need to check the box that you are NOT an AT&T customer on the request form. Here is a link to request an unlock code: https://forums.windowscentral.com/e...Y-_LJs6mBKcjh1U0y8t4rDlQ%23%2F&token=PM5Psybb Yes, the first page does say a GoPhone has to have been in use for 6 months but apparently that does not apply to non-AT&T customers and GoPhones that have never been activated.
I have always received the code via email within 24 hours of the request. I don't know if AT&T intends it work this way or might change the policy. If it was a govt reg that caused them to do this, they might not be able to change it. Since the phones themselves are not branded as GoPhones, it woud not be reasonable for a buyer of a used phone to know if it was a GoPhone or not.
I always wait until I get the unlock code before opening the box or giving the phone as a gift so I can return it if the request gets rejected.
And if you think you might damage your phone, if you buy it at Walmart.com you can get 24 months of zero deductible and transferable insurance for $9. Might be worth checking the in-store price for the insurance at time of purchase. Sometime its higher, sometimes its lower.
While the phones can be used on any GSM carrier once unlocked, OS and firmware updates will come thru AT&T by default. That may mean delays or even no updates in the future. But the Insider program bypasses the carrier, so as long as that program is available, you will be able to get updates regardless of what AT&T does.
Someone posted that T-Mobile WiFi calling will work on any 640 LTE. I have my doubts but will know later today if true since I am giving one of these to a T-Mobile customer. I'll post what I find.