Based on the language of the bill, you can bring any smartphone, new or old, to someone and have that person unlock it for you without infringing on the law. While you could already unlock your phone through your carrier, there were, and still are, many hoops you have to jump through.
AT&T will let you unlock your device permanently, provided your contract has already expired. AT&T customers still on contract may unlock their devices up to five times per year (for international travel purposes), as long as they don’t owe any past-due amount on their accounts, and have been a customer for 60 days or more. You can see the full rules here or simply fill out the unlock request here.
Meanwhile, while some Verizon devices are sold unlocked, others are not. However, like AT&T, customers in good standing can request to have their devices unlocked for international travel. You can see the full rules here or call Verizon at 1-800-711-8300 and ask for a SIM unlock.
Sprint will allow customers to unlock their devices for travel after three months with the carrier. You can also call 1-888-211-4727 to unlock your phone or join a Web chat to do so. Full rules are here.
