AT&T’s legal threats halt plans to sell iPhone unlocking software

Belfast-based mobile phone unlocking service UniquePhones is reviewing its plans to sell iPhone unlocking software after receiving legal threats from AT&T.

UniquePhones has been in the business of unlocking network-exclusive mobile phones and its site claims that the company has unlocked over 1,000 mobile phone units. Its latest conquest, the iPhone has been the object of much attention by hackers and code crackers keen to use the iPhone in countries other than the US, and on carriers other than AT&T.

Last week alone, a teen geek from New Jersey, George Hotz, was reported to have successfully unlocked the iPhone and became an instant internet celebrity. Although AT & T doesn’t seem to be threatening Hotz, it does appear it will take legal action if UniquePhones tries to sell iPhone unlocking software.

A UniquePhones staff member apparently received an early morning call from AT & T threatening the company with legal action. The AT & T representative told UniquePhones that selling the unlocking software would be copyright infringement and illegal distribution of software.

“A substantial delay caused by any legal action would render the unlocking software a less valuable commodity as well as creating unforeseen security issues for the company,” UniquePhones told the BBC.

Worried that it may indeed face a lawsuit, UniquePhones is currently seeking legal advice.

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