yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] techdeskjocky:
Tech Support

I'm on the phone with tech support right now.

When the call center staff and (what I assumed was) the level 1 tech asked how they could assist me, I replied:

"I'm would like the code or method to unlock the bootloader for my Galaxy S3"

The (again, assumed) level 1 tech was very polite and said "No problem. Let me check that for you" - no doubt he was looking through his general troubleshooting database. When he found nothing, he said "Let me put you on hold while I locate that for you."

He came back on the line and told me that he would have to contact one of his "analysts" to get the answer for me as no one was currently available that could answer the question for me. He then asked for a contact number so he could get back to me. I said that I would rather be transferred to level 2 support as I had little confidence that my call would be returned in a timely fashion. He said that he was level 2. I asked to be transferred to level 3. He said that level 3 was only to respond to a trouble ticket related to network issues and that contacting his analyst would be the best course of action.

He began to tell me that he did some searching online regarding the issue. My reply was "There is a large community working on this issue right now. A lot of hours are being put in. People are being bounced from Verizon customer support to Samsung to resolve the issue, but Samsung will just bounce people right back to Verizon for a resolution." He said that he understood and would continue the inquiry process on his end.

I agreed to let him get back to me on my cell. He then gave me the city / location of his office which is right down the street from me (total coincidence) with a direct line to their office, his extension, and his name. He also said that he'd contact me within two hours with an update. I don't want to give you guys his info juuuuuuuuust yet because I don't want you to blow up his line, but I promise that I will release his name and number and extension as well as the office where he is located if I do not hear back by 1:30PM Pacific time.

He also stated that they usually have an analyst walking around on their floor at any given time during the day but he couldn't currently locate the analyst on duty which led him to believe that the analyst was in a meeting of sorts.

Please do not flame me for not releasing his contact info before the 2 hour time frame he gave me. I wanna give this guy a chance since he was so nice. I think everyone can agree that this is a total shot in the dark and that this will probably lead to a dead end, but it was worth a shot. I'm not a developer by any means, but I can socially engineer the **** out of a company. I've got a list of accomplishments (one being that I got a fully customized brand new HP laptop for $0). It may take some doing and it may lead nowhere, but so-help-me-god I will do everything in my power to help.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Dcox28:
Can you post us or PM me your complaint to the FCC? I will copy it and complain to them also. Who knows, can't hurt!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] NedDasty:
Techdeskjocky, please don't give his info out. He sounds like he's one of the many very nice people who happen to work in jobs that we, as tech-savvy customers, tend to have frustrations with. It's not their fault that we are usually more qualified. A qualified person doing a low-level tech-support job is one who is working beneath his skill level, and should find a new job or get a promotion.

I think that, at this point, we can all see from the confluence of answers from both Verizon and Samsung tech and business what the answer is: We will have no bootloader unlocker from either company. Their response to the issue was the Developer Model. Any answer that we get regarding a potential future bootloader unlocker is from a rep who is talking about unfamiliar terrority. I doubt the individuals who respond are being purposefully misleading--they are most likely simply ignorant, and it's not their fault.

At this point, I think we have to put our trust and support in our Devs, who are working very hard on this issue, and deserve all of our thanks, regardless of the outcome.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Forgetfull:
Yes, no need to burn him at all. He didn't lock the bootloader.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] techdeskjocky:
Ya I think you're right about not releasing his info. I think I've been on reddit too long. Most of the community on reddit demands proof of everything from everyone. Anyway, I'll attempt to get direct contact info for the "analyst" and just lay the heat on him. If I have to, I'll go to that local support center and do what ever I have to (short of being arrested) to get what I seek.

I'm not gonna bend over for them. If I can help the community I will. Devs or no devs, I'm doing my part.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] mattydangerfox:
I have sent snail mail letters to Verizon corporate in the past, and they did no good, even after talking to actual people in corporate when they called me back. I hope this will be different, but I doubt it, especially since my issues in the past were minor and easily fixable. Verizon didn't care and did nothing.

The only option I could see possibly (stressing possibly) working would be getting tech sites and blogs to start writing articles about a grassroots "movement" by Verizon customers who are unhappy about this. If it becomes public that a huge mass of customers are contacting Verizon about this issue and raising concerns over legality, it might be enough to make VZW look really bad.

Still doubt that would make much of a difference, unfortunately.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] mattydangerfox:
Ha, we should set up a Facebook event called "National Call Verizon and Complain About the Bootloader Day." if enough people publicly threaten to call on one single day, Verizon would have to at least prepare for the bombardment by warning customers and techs that the lines will be insanely busy. I bet media would be all over that.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Boss428man:
Not a bad idea
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] techdeskjocky:
Lookie what I found very close to home!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] silver04v:
Do it then. Set it up.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] nbdysreal:
VZW Online Chat

Figured i would join in on the harassing of VZW on the bootloader. I started with the typical "i'd like to unlock the bootlaoder" and got the typical "at this time verizon doesn't support this." I then asked if they could give me a reason why, as it obviously isn't security due to the impending release of the Dev Edition being allowed on the network, to which she replied simple it was due to Samsung negotiations and warranty issues with root. I know they're both gonna give me the run around, so i then asked here about me taking my Galaxy S3 off the network and putting my Nexus back on, will they then supply me with the keys to which she told me I would have to speak to Samsung about that. So here is my question to anyone who has contacted Samsung. Have you specifically said that the phone is no long on the Verizon network and you would now like to unlock the bootloader, knowing it will void your warranty? I know it probably won't be that easy (though i hope it will), but I am at work and haven't been able to look up the Samsung info to contact them yet.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] OldManJames:
Verizon controls what devices are allowed on their network. Anyone could sell a phone with verizon bands but without verizon the phone would never activate. So vzw is allowing it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] morrowa2:
I filed the complaint yesterday so I can't copy exactly what I wrote but this was the jist of it:

Of the major US cellular carriers, Verizon is the only one to have released the Samsung Galaxy SIII with a locked bootloader. This means slower development, and less customizability of the device. The devicce was purported by Samsung to be unlocked, so many people ordered this device under the impression that it would in fact be unlocked. There was nothing in Verizon's advertised specifications about a locked bootloader. Their explanation is that the device is locked to maintain the integrity of the network. That's all good, but we later learn that Samsung will be selling "developer edition" galaxy SIII's with unlockable bootloader for use on Verizon's network. How can Verizon say that and then allow such devices on their network. It appears that Verizon has swindled many customers to pay top dollar for a device that they cannot use to its full potential.

There's a 1000 character limit for the complaint, so you may need to abbreviate. Also there is a section where you can attach actual documents supporting your views. I didn't have the time to search for VZW's press release or Samsungs advertisement of the developer edition, but it would help to include these.

Again, I don't know if this will accomplish anythning but who knows?

On a side note (actually on the subject of this thread) Is there a proper order for flashing the root66 img, CWM, and the bootloader that Adam Outler posted? I only ask because I just revieved my GSIII the other day. I haven't even activated it yet. I ordered it on e-bay (yes I'd rather pay some yahoo on e-bay than give another dime to VZW) to keep my unlimited data, Obviously, I ordered it before learning of the locked bootloader and long before the announcement of the developer edition.

My final question is, seeing as how my phone is in an untouched, pristine, virgin condition, not even activated on my number, can it somehow be put to use for our cause (unlocking bootloader), short of me sending it to some stranger for them to brick. I'm not new to unlocking/rooting phones, so I'm well aware of the risks associated with flashaholism. I've been unlocking my VZW phones way back to my old Win-Mo XV6800. I've used adb before, but no very little about "dumping." I'm very regular, so don't know if I need to be dumping any more than I usually do :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] tyrnight:
I paid FULL price for my phone.. I should have FULL access to it..

$700 for this crap is not acceptable..
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] natalic:
I was at Verizon yesterday and actually got on my soap box and started *****ing...I got "Get the developer version." I stated "there is no reason the Galaxy Nexus could be unlocked and the S3 couldn't" and I was telling the managers "UNLOCK MY BOOTLOADER!" they just kinda brushed it off...but they know whats up.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Srambo217:
We could trend this on Twitter. I'll copy whatever Facebook group name is chosen and try and make a ruckus.

Would be nice if we could get some blogs behind this (DroidDog, Android Central).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] mattydangerfox:
I'm at work right now, so anyone can set this up in the meantime if they wish. I would also move any info to a different thread so we don't clog this one.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] BryanP:
It was a sad day but mine went back and I left Verizon. Hope if enough do this it'll help the rest of you that might not have an option. Explained the bootloader as I returned my GS3 and and they told me to get the unlocked one for $600. I asked em how big of a development community would grow around a $600 phone and got no answer.

I left a discounted at&t plan to pay more with Verizon for the promise of unlimited LTE & 1 year contracts. LTE never came (but it came to many smaller cities), 1 year contracts left, and unlimited died for subsidized phones.

Every situation is different but paying for a phone I'm locked out of is never going to happen for me. RIL issues with long delays on the Nexus and no JB for the GS3 were also a factor.

Truly hope things get better for your guys. Verizon used to be so much better IMHO.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] TheBiles:
Dude, it's been like two weeks. Have some faith in the devs and don't be such a drama queen. I've never seen a group of devs come together so well to work on unlocking a device like this. It won't be long.

Sent from my Galaxy S III
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Poloasis:
+1
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] techdeskjocky:
Well said.

So it's been over 2 hours and I haven't heard a peep. I'm calling them right now. I think I'm gonna give corporate a call and speak with someone in PR about this little mess. See how they feel about petitions and such.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Nnyan:
Just got my SGSIII pre-order and I haven't even opened the box, I've put an add out on CL and will try to sell this and then buy the DEV version. It's pretty pathetic of Verizon to go this route.

EDIT: I have to update my sig ; )
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] tomyboombotz:
If Verizon exscuse to not have unlock phones on there network due to "security issues" then they wouldn't allow any phone to have a unlocked bootlooder they can't just cherry pick which phone should which phone shouldn't .. they sound hypocritical hence allowing the g nexus and a dev edition g3 .. to be on there network. So Verizon give us a better excuse!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] segv11:
"Security" was their reason to block Google Wallet on then Gnex as well. (Total BS, because Wallet runs on the Nexus 7 -- a WiFi-only device...)

They know that "security" is a great loophole for complying with the letter of their Auction 73 Block C requirements while totally violating then spirit of the agreement. The FCC needs to nail them to the wall on this one... and the rest of us need to vote with our wallets (once our contracts are up LOL).

Sent from my BANNED Unified-Search-enabled Galaxy Nexus.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] BryanP:
Just bummed / pissed about the way it turned out as I'm sure many are.

I completely agree something could happen and I really wanted to give it more time but Verizon's trial is only 14 days. Dev's can do great things but it just wasnt worth the gamble of being locked into a contract paying for a phone that someone else controls.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] techdeskjocky:
Alright ladies and gents... Here's the official word:

I just spoke to the technician from earlier and he said that there was an agreement (he called it a "pact") between Samsung and Verizon stating that this information was not to be released to non-developers. If you are calling under the pretense that you are a developer you are to be directed to buy the developer version of the device. I then asked the rep if there was someone higher on the food chain that I could speak with about this. His response was "I have no one to send you to." For clarification I asked "So you're being directed to stop this inquiry here and not to guide me further into the process?" He said "That is correct, sir."

I thanked him for his time and asked to be transferred to someone in PR or to a receptionist that could point me in the right direction. He gave me 949-286-7000 which is the main line to their Corporate Office in Irvine, CA. I'm going to call tomorrow and see what I can do.

Game on, Verizon!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] flamus:
I was thinking about this. But wouldn't this be boarder line "Bait-and-switch." VZW/Samsung allowed us to believe (due to Samsung being dev friendly on current phones) that this phone would be unlockable and modable. So, plenty of us spent our upgrade price of $200 + contract to get the phone and keep our data. However, I even saw on post on G+ where a guy paid $700 for the locked phone (the dev is only $600 unlocked WTF). Then tell us, the customers, sorry but to get the device you want you must purchase this other product directly from Samsung for $600.

I swear this is a bait-and-switch. If Samsung/VZW already were coming out with the "dev" phone (since it was said to come out even before the official release of the phone . I know it is not hard to swap the BL, but sometimes this is kinda fishy to me at least), then they may have known the back lash...and well here we are. However, this is completely without warrant.

I doubt anyone could win a Class Action Lawsuit against VZW for this bait-and-switch issue. Maybe some people don't care but others do.

So far, the dev here at XDA has done wonder leaps to work around the issue but maybe VZW should post information like Apple had to in the UK. =) Would be nice.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] neyenlives:
agreed

I would like to request, out of respect for the large group of really good guys that are working long hours on this thing, that all the doom and gloom moaning and despair posts go in a thread dedicated to whiners. I mean that in the nicest way. If you only have negative opinions on the situation, I recommend starting a new thread about how you think it won't work.....this way we can stop polluting this thread with negativity and unnecessary speculation.

this is a development thread, if you have nothing to contribute to the development of the device, kindly GTFO
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] ydoucare:
No way, who woulda thunk it that Verizon controls what devices they authenticate on their network. Poster stated VZW was selling it, when VZW is not selling it. Simple correction.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Dcox28:
FCC Submission Confirmation: 2000A

Acknowledgement of Submission from Derek XXX on 07/18/2012, reference number 12-C00411192.

I also attached a couple documents from Verizon and Samsung!

Edit - Sorry, just saw the posts that these complaints don't belong in this thread. I agree, feel free to move my post to a proper thread or delete it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] morrowa2:
I encourage others to do the same. ( FCC consumer complaint that is)

WWW.FCC.gov
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] newuser134:
But they already closed the loop hole on themselves though. If they are in fact doing this for security, then why are they going to allow the exact same device (dev edition) with an unlocked bootloader on their network? Where's the security then? How can the same unlocked bootloader be secure AND insecure on their network? The dev edition will use their network too, won't it? This (going against their own argument for not allowing an unlocked bootloader by later allowing the same unlocked bootloader in question), along with the other 4 networks not locking down the bootloaders on the same identical device on their networks (essentially making it all 5 carriers allowing it), would mean Verizon's case and use of the loop hole would never hold water in court, to prove a point that a portion of the Galaxy S3's should have locked bootloaders, while the remainder don't have to. Who would buy that logic?

---------- Post added at 07:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:29 PM ----------

However, since it is a cdma phone, if Verizon didnt't allow it on its network, it wouldn't really matter who sold it. It would be unusable on the Verizon network. That means Verizon agreed to unlocking the bootloaders on the dev edition, and added or will add the imei numbers to their database at some point. So they went against their own argument.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] tonu42:
Do holy hell you're so right. If they say its locked down for security reasons than wtf how can they allow the unlocked version on their network?

Effing sue them right there thats what we should do.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] newuser134:
Why not use youtube and make a video to this effect, maybe it'll be seen by a lot of people, to spread the word that everyone, affected or not, needs to contact Verizon and ask to have this issue corrected.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] Boss428man:
Last time i mention it but they also didn't say any about differentiation from the Galaxy S3 brand.. So you also have a case for how we have been miss sold. We thought we were buying an unlocked S3 like the rest of the world and they in fact changed the experience.. They had to differentiate with the old HTC Touch the Verizon didn't have Wifi Sprint did it was in the notes.. same with the CPU differentiation with the S3 between the World edition and US. I think thats an even stronger point for unlocking because it was not advertised as being an S3 that was locked. After the fact its too late should have been in print. Don't want to return it I want was advertised.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] skennelly:
I emailed VZW yesterday and received this response:

Dear ,

Thank you for your recent outreach to Verizon Wireless. My name is Heidi and I hope you are enjoying your week so far.

Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone.

Depending on the device, an open boot loader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing you the same level of customer experience and support because it would give you the ability to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network, or operates. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for you as well. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience.

We are aware that Samsung is now offering a Developer Edition SGS 3 that can be purchased directly from Samsung for use on Verizon’s Network. Keep in mind with this device you will have to purchase it at full retail, and it does not come with a warranty. So for instance if the screen goes out, the battery life starts having problems, or it simply will not power on it would not be covered for a replacement device.

We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible, and I am sorry for any inconvenience that this decision maybe causing you.

I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to assist you today; I trust the information I have provided has been beneficial. We greatly value you as a Verizon Wireless customer, Steve, have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Heidi

Verizon Wireless

Customer Service
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] morrowa2:
Just to reiterate... perhaps the government can step in. Goodness knows our government gets their hands in every other aspect of our lives. Everyone go to WWW.FCC.gov and file a complaint. Something like this:

"Of the major US cellular carriers, Verizon is the only one to have released the Samsung Galaxy SIII with a locked bootloader. This means slower development, and less customizability of the device. The devicce was purported by Samsung to be unlocked, so many people ordered this device under the impression that it would in fact be unlocked. There was nothing in Verizon's advertised specifications about a locked bootloader. Their explanation is that the device is locked to maintain the integrity of the network. That's all good, but we later learn that Samsung will be selling "developer edition" galaxy SIII's with unlockable bootloader for use on Verizon's network. How can Verizon say that and then allow such devices on their network. It appears that Verizon has swindled many customers to pay top dollar for a device that they cannot use to its full potential. A classic bait-n-switch."

There's a 1000 character limit for the complaint, so you may need to abbreviate. Also there is a section where you can attach actual documents supporting your views. I didn't have the time to search for VZW's press release or Samsungs advertisement of the developer edition, but it would help to include these.