[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III] TheDiabolicaL1:
Whoa whoa whoa.. you're comparing apples to monkeys here. I'm sorry, but for the sake of the conversation what you said is blatantly false as it pertains to our discussion. You're right, but let me explain why it's also, wrong.

Your example uses phones that aren't available on all networks- unlike the Samsung Galaxy S3. We are arguing the validity of a locked boot loader on the Samsung S3, not the OneX, or whatever other device you could use for an example. ONLY the Samsung Galaxy S3. Because it has been released on

ALL

networks, it is reasonable to think that one could simply decide to take their VZW purchased S3 to USCC and allow USCC to overwrite VZW software for use on their network. Possibly Sprint as well. This is why the FCC complaint will work. They can not prove that it is REASONABLE to NOT ALLOW a user who no longer wants VZW's service to take their device to another network because that's exactly the way the law is written, thus, a direct violation of section e. Joshbates15 is absolutely correct!

While you would be correct if we were talking about the OneX as your example uses, or the Razr as another when asking a provider to flash their OS onto our device, we are discussing specifically the S3. It is not an unreasonable request considering it is the same device using different software.

Face it, the S3 on VZW's network is in fact configured to prevent the user of the device for use on any other network that user requests. You cannot remove VZW's proprietary software, VZW wouldn't allow you use of said proprietary software over any network other than their own and no other carrier will allow the use of VZW proprietary software on their network. Wanna take your S3 from VZW to USCC or Sprint? You're gonna have to put their software on it. You'll need THEIR updates. You'll need THEIR tools. The encrypted bootloader directly prevents this. Therefore, it's gotta go!

On a side note, Samsung level 2 tech support seems to think if you could convince VZW to enter in the MEID# into their database of a USCC S3, you would effectively have a "Developers Edition" phone on VZW's pipe. Swapping the SIM and getting data is no problem but getting voice and text is. Conning VZW into it is the difficult part.

I've complained multiple times to the FCC and haven't received a response. My complaint, however, is regarding my call to VZW asking for the device to be unlocked for use on another network and being told no. The whole, section e thing. I assume I haven't received the same canned response as others because it can't be skirted with network satisfaction/security/bs.

You calling, asking, and being told "no" is the noose you need to tie around their neck. That said, if you don't make the call, your complaint is worthless. You'll get the same canned response if you just complain about the boot-loader being encrypted. When you correlate that to how it directly violates the clear verbiage of the law- well, then you've got something. ;)

---------- Post added at 05:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:51 PM ----------

Worked well for Motorola!

I've been saying it's their business model for years. They can't force your hardware to break on command. If they did, well, it would be a PR disaster. The only control they have to obsolete your device before the hardware gives out is the OS it runs. Look how they market their phones- "This phone comes with ICS!" "The first phone to be launched with ICS!" blah blah blah For all but the most savvy users (most here) hardware means jack **** and is just jibberish. Ice Cream Sandwich, however- it's tangible. Customers think.. "Why would I want that phone? It still has Gingerbread on it!" Encrypting the boot loader prevents the user from upgrading the OS at their will, thus, rendering the device obsolete.

(I know, I'm preaching to the choir here but for those that may read this, they should understand what you mean. I get it, and I'm agreeing with you, just elaborating for those that may not or are new to the concept)

Other than 4g and ICS, I didn't really see a reason to upgrade from my Droid X2. Had the boot-loader not been encrypted, I probably wouldn't have. The hardware was fantastic, durable and the radio was stellar. I don't feel like the S3 was a real upgrade. Sure, it's faster, but I really only see it at boot speeds. I don't have 4g in my area so that's for not. Battery life seems a little better on the S3 but for the most part my phone stays plugged in regardless.