Cut Your SIM

Looking to unlock your iPhone 4S for use on other carriers? Now that unlocking fans are still waiting for a jailbreak software solution, familiar unlocking service CutYourSim has reappeared on the scene. In case you don't remember, CutYourSim had a brief business remotely unlocking iPhones for a price.

The company ended up refunding money and closed up shop after their "supplier" couldn't meet demand for its services. CutYourSim is now offering a permanent unlock solution within 15-20 days for AT&T customers for a cool $200.

You can stop cutting your SIM cards, because T-Mobile if offering free micro SIMs for Apple smartphones via their website. All you have to do is sign a two-year contract and enjoy the EDGE network. Doesn't sound like such a great deal if you ask me. The T-Mobile online ad reads:

T-Mobile has been rumored to be preparing to offer the iPhone on their network for awhile now, and even though Apple is trying to buy the carrier, some analyst believe that 2011 will be the year it actually happens. While regulatory authorities examine the possible AT&T/T-Mobile deal, AT&T is claiming that the companies would operate separately for several years. If true, this would make a T-Mobile iPhone still desirable.

Here's a surprise: no-jailbreak remote iPhone unlock services Cut Your Sim and others are out of business. Apparently their supplier couldn't continue making unauthorized changes to Apple's IMEI database and needs to postpone the service indefinitely. These services were charging a fee of $170 or more to unlock iPhones in a process they claim is permanent without violating the terms of Apple's warranty.

Luckily those who were in line to have their devices unlocked are getting their money refunded. It's not clear why the unlocking procedure had to be stopped, whether it was Apple getting involved or figuring out exactly where the leak was in their database security. What's interesting is that even the operators of Cut Your Sim aren't sure exactly how the iPhones are unlocked, just that the process originates from the UK.

Several new remote unlocking services from websites such as Cut Your Sim and Negri Electronics have appeared in the past few weeks, promising a permanent iPhone unlock without jailbreaking. These services claim the unlock will remain in place regardless of firmware or baseband version forever, with a 100 percent money back guarantee if the unlock fails.

Does this sound too good to be true? Many have already signed up for the services hoping to preserve their Apple warranty, even though the cost is a one-time fee of $170 or more. Negri Electronics has even temporarily discontinued the service due to overwhelming demand while the current list of devices is processed for unlocking. Once the current list of submissions is processed they plan to re-introduce the service.