How to unlock Iphone 3G legally and for free

If you’re an happy owner of an Iphone 3G and are locked to a particular carrier, it might be a good idea to unlock your Iphone (SIM free).

For example, to resell it or to enjoy it as an Ipod (without SIM).

Of course, this method is permanent; it means that no matter what you do with the Iphone (upgrade, jailbreak), it will be forever SIM free.

What you need:

• An iphone 3G (I haven’t tested with a 3GS)
• Your contract being ended with your carrier. For example, if you signed for a 24 months contract, it must be dued.
• Either a SIM card of another carrier (without PIN code activated) or the phone number of your carrier hotline
• A computer with Itunes

Now, you’ve got three ways to do it:

1. you go to your carrier shop, ask for your phone to be unlock and there it is. It will take 24 to 48h before it’s done.
2. insert the SIM card of another carrier, then synchronize your phone with Itunes. While trying to activate it, Itunes will congratulate you that your phone is now unlocked.
3. call the hotline of your carrier and ask them to unlock your phone, you’ll need the serial number of the phone. It will take 24 to 48h as well.

From what I’ve been told, Apple maintains a database containing (among other things) the serial number of the phone and to which carrier it is locked (if locked). So, when your carrier unlock your phone, all they do is ask Apple to remove the “connection” between your phone serial number and the carrier.

I wonder why this information is kept so secret. I mean, I’ve asked this question a thousand times to the resellers and always got the “not your business” answer. And today, the guy behind the desk show me the paper with all instructions to unlock the Iphone.