>> I am told, people who use BlackBerries and other smart-phones face
>> similar problems. You are forced to: 1. Pay the full marked price
>> for the device
> 
> Nothing illegal here
> 
>> 2. You aren't allowed to change mobile phone providers

The iPhone brought from Airtel works only with Airtel. It is basically saying,
you buy it - but we own you!

> Is there something specific in any contract you signed that says so?. 
> 
> The way i see it Airtel is legally bound to service a defect piece 
> subject to the warranty terms. Same with Apple. Dont want Airtel dont 
> use it. Take the phone to the new provider, who should be able to do 
> the needful. Airtel is not obligated to enable your switch. Ofcourse 
> if they installed something they are obligated to uninstall that.

As of today, Airtel's terms and conditions on the Website for iPhone 3G
is a dead link. Like it was the day I bought it. The phone will work with
Airtel only wasn't explicitly mentioned to me verbally at the time of buying.
AFAIK, It wasn't mentioned in the Application form that I signed.

>> 
>> I feel this is totally unethical and doesn't give a sophisticated
>> consumer any choice. As India gets a 3G network, these problems
>> will only grow.
>> 
>> As of now, I am frustrated enough to bring these people to the
>> books. Any help, pointers on how to go about it will be helpful.
> 
> Consumer court - with a very long shot.

My argument simply is, "If I own the device, I should be able to control it."
The phone and the network are two separate things, and the carriers
shouldn't be allowed to bundle things in this way - especially if they are
for the device in full. Isn't TRAI supposed to have a say in this?

> Instead of buying these overpriced pieces of hyped up crap, buy a 
> cheap chinese knockoff and setup your own server either in house with 
> a static ip or one of the numerous virtual server providers.
> It's far cheaper and safer than the branded crooks.

Yeah, a solution. But this doesn't solve the problem for everyone nor does
it make the laws of the land any better. A fight it is going to be...

Cheers,

Amol Hatwár
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