What's the deal on the SIM?

**Dnovelta** · 08-28-2008, 07:24 PM

Alright, I'm posting again, this time mainly about the SIM card that comes with the iPhone 3G with Globe. I'm thinking about getting the 8GB iPhone under the 1599 plan because I don't use the phone as much here as I would in the US in terms of web surfing, but want that ability in my pocket. I also do more texting than calling, so the minutes is not a huge problem for me.

What I'm curious about is whether or not the iPhone is SIM locked, or carrier locked, in which case I was planning on cancelling the plan after the amount of time necessary for me to keep my phone, but ditch the plan and just use my current prepaid Globe SIM.

Also does anyone know what the cancellation fee is, and if Globe offers a legal unlock for a fee?

Also, what is the meaning of the GFlex and GText and such plans? Do they offer the same things as the 1599-4999 plans such as data usage and texting, minutes and stuff like that? What sets them apart? Are they any better?

Also, if I decide to keep this one and have it unlocked, if I ever update the firmware will it automatically re-lock itself?

Thanks.

**Sponsor** · 08-28-2008 07:24 PM

**kcirecarg718** · 08-28-2008, 07:50 PM

the Globe iPhone 3g is Network lock. meaning you can use any GLOBE SIM card on it, Pre-Paid or Post Paid.

GText is equivalent to 500 free sms and 20 mins free call, while GFlex in the same value has a Consumable value of 500 Pesos. Correct me if im wrong.

Globe does not offer Unlocking. If you unlock it officially you can update the firmware without a problem.

**gpo74** · 08-28-2008, 07:58 PM

Yes the iPhone is sim lock. Im not sure of the amount for the cancellation fee but If i'm not mistaken the amount is huge. No globe will not ever unlock the iPhone or any other Globe locked phone.

nope gflex/gtext plans are not the same with the iPhone Data plan ( 1599-4999)

gflex/gtext are mainly for text usage and calls but with the iphone data plan you get free data usage and text and calls.

**birdieputt** · 08-28-2008, 09:09 PM

please let me share what i know. gflex can be used for voice and data connection. it is a flexible plan for the amount of your plan (ex. gflex 800). you will be charged accordingly so it depends on the user on how he will use his plan. it can be all for data or all for voice.

unlike the other plans there is a set or allocated quantity for voice minutes, text or data (like iphone's plan1599). gtext, gmix, etc. have no allocation for data.

**Dnovelta** · 08-28-2008, 09:18 PM

Alright, chances are I'll end up with the 1599 Plan anyway simply because it's easier to manage and in terms of what I'd do with the phone, the amount of minutes, messages per month and data usage are pretty reasonable.

I'm just a student, so there won't really be any instance where I'd desperately need to check my e-mail, or my facebook, so the 20 hours is fine for an entire month. The free WiFi at WIZ spots is also by the month correct?

So, the only way to not have to re-unlock the iPhone when updating it is to have it legally unlocked, and Globe won't do that at all? Darn...

**jaytrixz** · 08-28-2008, 10:29 PM

If you're planning to use the iPhone 3G to the fullest but slightly cheaper compared to other plans, avail of the plan 1599. I think the reason Globe locks the iPhone 3G to Globe similar to other phones that you avail there is because they want you to use the phone only using the sim that came with it. Even other telcos lock the phones that you purchase from them. Don't worry 'cause solutions on finding an unlock for the iPhone 3G is undergoing rapid developments.

**jayj_23** · 08-28-2008, 10:46 PM

if youre gonna ask me, better to get the glex plan, its consumable by calls, text or data. the iphone plan is a bit small in terms of call and text and the internet package to it(visibility) can only be use for your iphone-(you cannot use your iphone as a modem to your laptop) Nowadays there are a lot of wifi spots, you;ll hardly use the internet on your iphone. and if you ever need to use internet on your iphone, theres always the per TIME charging P5 per 15 minutes.

just me...

**Dnovelta** · 08-28-2008, 11:39 PM

@jayj_23

That's true. but then the up-front cost is much more isn't it? The thing is my parents would be the ones to buy it, I'm just looking for the best possible plans and such to get them on board.

The 1599 Plan's up-front cost is in the ballpark range of the US up-front cost, yet off by roughly $130-150 but I'm guessing that's inclusive of VAT. Then 1599 which is about $40 to 20 hours of free WiFi and 40 hours of 3G/EDGE Internet (which incidentally is double what I thought) and 100 minutes of talk time plus 350 text messages.

I'd rather have all that at my fingertips for about $40 a month then have to really manage what I'm doing with my set amount. I'd rather have the ease.

EDIT: Took out prohibited material.