yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] p51d007:
You ever get the feeling that maybe Samsung has gotten too big for their britches?

We the consumers believed in what they were promoting & selling, and then to punch the users of

their devices in the gut with this stupid regional sim lock?

What it means to me is that they care MORE for the regional carriers, than the CONSUMERS who

actually buy their products.

Personally, I'm holding onto my note1 until AFTER the Nexus5, HTC 1 max and whatever other 5"

plus screens are out for the Christmas season, to make my decision on which one I want.

I want an unlocked, carrier free device that I CAN CONTROL, root, choose the rom that I want on

MY device, not what some stupid carrier THINKS I deserve. That was the whole point in my last

two devices being "international" versions! Yes, I know the consequences of rooting, flashing etc.

I'm ok with that, and if I brick a device, that is MY MISTAKE! I know that going in!

Hopefully, this gets sorted out BEFORE the Christmas season, because that was the intended

time frame I had picked, to update my Note1, which will be right at 2 years old. I purposely skipped

the Note2, because, for my usage, it didn't bring anything that I would use, to justify the cost of buying a new

device. The N3 is a substantial upgrade for my usage, and given the performance I've had with the N1,

that's why when it was announced, I gave it a serious consideration. Now, with bootloader locks, sim

card locks, Knox and who knows what restrictions we don't even know about, I'm seriously considering

looking around at a different device. Come on Samsung, do the right thing here and let the CONSUMER

be the #1 goal, not bowing down to the carriers!
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
Agreed

While my reply may stray slightly off-topic from the thread's intent, I am forced to agree with this assertion.

People on XDA are not known for caring about how other people feel, but I feel exactly as you do. I own many Samsung devices. Many. Samsung has been my drug of choice for years. But, now, I feel like the drug is tainted. It's gone too far.

I am feeling very disillusioned by this. I think that having loyalty to any company or corporate entity is undeserved. As undeserved, perhaps, in deference to your footer, as having loyalty to some government. Seems to me they only care about themselves, not about "Their people".

You have expressed perfectly why so many of us are upset. It is about choice. Those in this thread who are blindly defending Samsung on this, and those in this thread who are insisting this does not matter, are not paying attention. As in so many other situations, a freedom is being taken away from us. Whether this particular loss of this particular freedom affects a certain person or not, that person should still care about it, and be worried. Who knows where... and IF... it will stop?

I actually Googled for shudder Ipads the other day.

This has been the plea of many on XDA and around the world for a long time. I hope Samsung gets the message. This action is reprehensible, and morally wrong, and perhaps I'm overreacting, but that is, in this case, not nearly as bad as underreacting.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
In between the Chinese tree monkey rants there's been some really good hard information presented by two devs that have actually gone in to the code on the EU version of the N3 to understand how region locking is implemented. All I've done is summarize their findings which have been validated by the majority of people here (and the media) who activated their devices with the proper SIM and verified it then worked with SIMs from outside their regions.

There are always going to be exceptions. Real and based on perhaps a contributor not being fully factual.

That's not correct. The majority of people here and from the media that have followed the "rules" prove it's not so. There may be exceptions for various reasons but they are just that; exceptions. I have no idea what's going on with the Thai/Swedish guy but it sounds like an exception. I never believed for a moment that Samsung, even with their scale and power, would limit the use of their devices to a single region. It would be corporate suicide. And from the stupid ill-worded sticker on the box that's the conclusion most reached and some are still clinging to.

Bottom line: this is a stupid self-serving policy that is benign to most but will definately be a PIA to some who it's not meant to harm. The "some" have a beef with Samsung. Those unaffected and just ranting are really just clogging up this thread for others seeking hard information.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Onweel2:
Now i try to post my story to the website that have news about this. many website

What i fear is....all the website that post about this news. After they get statement from Samsung Germany or what ever No one see real Statement from Real website of any Samsung Yet.(If they already do please show me for i show to them Customer support here)

They all believe in that and stop digging the story. and move one. You can see many comment on each website that they wiling to buy this phone again because they think the problem is solve.

So sad for that. I can thinking about this for 2 more day. Then i can decide to move on or return my phone. The company that i buy they agree if i want to return it even i open the box already within 7 day
[Galaxy Note 3 General] mathieulh:
I just did the same, awaiting for my code now.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
Samsung's explained how region locking works in the EU via their EU affiliates . People here and in the media have tested what they've said and are satisfied. Why aren't people here? This policy won't be reversed so either buy an N3 or don't if you're afraid how the policy might affect you or you're morally against it. Ranting amongst yourselves isn't going to change a thing.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] bubblesmoney:
Do YOU even understand what the issue is or all your 7000 posts like this.

There have been enough posts by people here and elswhere who have said following the unlocking procedure didnt actually unlock their handsets . What more is there to say.

Amazon removed the links to xda but kept the review for your information. Amazon does remove links sometimes and not just on this occassion.

The only reason I am not buying this phone is the region locking. I suspect there will be enough others like me who travel abroad and will need to use their local sims.

Last time i try to explain this to you as you seem to not understand or rather not want to understand and just want to argue with someone you dont know on the net.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
I'm not arguing with you. I'm saying the information you're propagating isn't factual based on the code actually present on the phone and the majority of experiences that have been reported. And I could care less what you choose to believe personally and am countering you so people have an alternate view of the issue.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Tubgirl:
For the time being I'm choosing to believe persons who actually tried it than some self proclaimed expert who ignores numerous reports of the "unlock method" not working with asian cards.

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=45968231&postcount=376

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=45965455&postcount=354

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=45994339&postcount=487
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
That is a very shaky argument indeed. There are a LOT of exceptions here, and elsewhere, enough to cast equal doubt on the "proof" in this assertion. There is no proof that it works for everyone. There is proof that it is not working for everyone. That is the reason for concern here.

Because it's not working for people here. That is why they are here.

But it is factual based on what people are reporting here from firsthand experience.

Then please stop telling people here that they are "wrong". We are gathering information in this thread so that (a) people know that there are "exceptions", and (b) so that hopefully some competent developers here can help locate a workaround or solution that will work for everyone, without "exceptions."
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Gurdien:
An OFFICIAL link with a clear explanation anyone?

I am not trying to be sarcastic, but can you please provide me one link to a Samsung Site or to an official "EU Affiliate" that clearly explains that once a regional SIM is used in a similar compatible Region than ANY other SIM from outside the "compatible" region can be used?

I have browsed but not seen such as yet which would pacify me. If such is not available why should I be satisfied when some have been successful and others not in their tests?

Will be most obliged if such a link can be provided for me to move on and open my still sealed box which I'm considering returning, but am aching to keep, rather than waste time.

Gurdien.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
This summarizes, perfectly, what we are trying to say here.

We have only rumors and secondhand information about Samsung's "official" stance on this - if there even is one (and if it has even been translated correctly.)

We have, on the other hand firsthand reports from people here, who have followed all of the rules as defined by the rumors (and the code) and are still hitting a wall.

The problem is clearly deeper than the rumors are making it out to be so far. It is clearly not resolved, not a simple matter of sim cards, and not even fully understood yet.

If everyone here would stop shouting down those who are reporting firsthand information, and those who are requesting actual fact, we would be getting a lot farther here.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Onweel2:
Wich website test about this ? I only see the copy and past the statement of Samsung over around.

This website only test the code after pay to Russian website http://ukmobilereview.com/2013/09/galaxy-note-3-sim-restrictions-full-story-unlock/

I have not see any website test the way without buying the code from unlocking phone website yet.

I go to the Samsung Service Centre in my Town. They have no clue what I talking about.

I do not want to change the thing. But i just want the truth and confirm that i can use my phone Out side EU from the Statement Samsung.

and I also NOT see the Statement that all the website use copy and past from website Samsung yet.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] redpill2016:
I wonder if some of the people who are claiming it didn't work actually bought gray market phones and are now hoping their claims prompt someone to figure out a workaround. Or they could be importers spreading FUD :)

What we do know is that Samsung has described how it is supposed to work, if you have a legit phone and it's still having problems I'm sure they will help you fix it.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] BarryH_GEG:
This is from Samsung UK's statement. If the statement is not factual the UK watchdogs and governing bodies will be down Samsung's throat faster than you could reply to this post.

"Once a device is activated normally, the regional SIM lock is automatically released." Samsung stated. "Users can enjoy the roaming service as usual and can use other region’s SIM card when travelling."​

So do you believe that region lock is broken when it comes to certain Asian SIMs and will be adjusted so they work properly or that Samsung UK actually lied in the media and EU N3’s will never work with Asian SIMs?

Region lock is stupid and self-serving on Samsung's part. It introduces complexity that shouldn't be there and has no consumer benefit whatsoever. What you've highlighted shows how complex it is but I fully expect that EU N3's will work across Asia once Samsung gets their act together and updates the EU N3's SIM code table.

P.S. – Having read all 50 painful pages of this thread I’m still getting a N10.1-14 in the UK (my N3 will be from the U.S.) and fully expect it to work in Asia with local SIMs I use there regularly.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
Where please? May we have a URL or pointer to this?

I certainly hope you are right; however, I must admit my faith in governing bodies is rather shaky.

Absent a hard link, I believe that statements from Samsung are either not really made by Samsung (i.e. rumors of other rumors), or are being translated incorrectly.

(Edit: Sorry, accidentally included additional and unquoted text from the poster here, which I have now removed.)

I absolutely hope you are right here. Have you seen, I am genuinely curious to know, any information anywhere on whether this region lock thing will be applied to the 10.1.2014's? I have no URLs handy, but most of the online rumors seem to indicate that the region lock is only being applied to, well, "handsets" (of size 5.7 and less, I guess), and not tablets. Do you have any insight or opinion as to whether this will be applied to the 10.1.2014 or not? (And any future tablets such as the Note 8.2015 or whatever?)
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Onweel2:
I buy from the shop that locate in Netherland and I live in Netherland. and the box come with EU seal. and if you read my story on page 48. you would know that i calling the Support 3 time. and 3 different people say a different thing. One not even know that this phone in on the market already. The support center can not help because Samsung not official told them Yet.

You say "Samsung has described how it is supposed to work" where is it ? i not tlaking about the mail that Samsung send to website or bloger and floating around. But Whare is real statement on Samsung website?. Please help me by showing where is it for i can print that page and go to Samsung Severvice Center in my town. please help. thank you
[Galaxy Note 3 General] medohussein544:
any one try middle east sim card ?
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
My geography is less than perfect, but I recall someone mentioning UAE in this thread.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=45964275&highlight=uae#post45964275

If you do a thread search on UAE you should find all of it...

---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 AM ----------

And are you basing your statement here on the absence of Asian country codes in the CSC blacklist? If not, why do you think so? And what is your opinion of using it in the U.S. with an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM?

Right now it seems to me that, if I were to import a UK-based Note 3, and try to activate it in the U.S., it would lock immediately. (It also seems to me that I could buy the code to unlock it but there doesn't seem to be enough proof of that actually working yet.)

So if the same region locks are applied to the Note 10.1.2014, would not the same problems exist for we, in the US, who try to import same from the UK?

I, too, hope to buy the 4G 10.1.2014... but I am hesitant, given everything we're seeing about the exceptions so far.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] tiep:
My thoughts exactly. Has anyone tried, "activating" (unlocking the phone) with an in-region SIM, then travelling abroad (out of region) and trying to use a local SIM without getting locked out. The only reports I remember seeing on this and other threads indicate that this scenario results in a lock out, but I hope I am wrong on this. Similarly, the reports I have seen of the "first use in-region SIM unlock" tested out of region SIMs in the home region - i.e. they did not travel abroad to a different region to test the out of region SIM. Obviously travelling to a new region is not "easy", so we will have to wait on more reports from people who are travelling in the next few days. If they report being locked out, then either Samsung are lying, or they are incompetent, or both.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] ShadowFlare:
I'm in the UK and bought (by pre-order) the Note 3 straight from the Samsung Experience Store. I picked up this phone 2 days ago and was really annoyed about this region-lock, because I'm about to fly to Asia tomorrow and planning to use local SIM card.

So, we'll see what happens and I'll post an update as soon as I get a local SIM card. I'll have to bring a spare phone in case Samsung fails my Note 3 lol.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] SupremeXXL:
What if I put regional sim card first but in ouf of region, will it still unlock n9005? or Does it has to run first in region which bought in ?

For example;

If I put european sim card into european n9005 in asia, will it still unlock the device? Or Do I have to process this step in EUROPE?

Do you have any clue about it?
[Galaxy Note 3 General] wfire:
After leaving the thread to go do other things, I came, at random, completely unrelated, across the lyrics to a pop song called "Price Tag" by artist "Jessie J". These lyrics read, in part

Seems like everybody's got a price,

I wonder how they sleep at night.

When the sale comes first,

And the truth comes second.

Everybody look to their left

Everybody look to their right

Can you feel that

We're paying with love tonight?

It's not about the money, money, money

We don't need your money, money, money

We just wanna make the world dance,

Forget about the price tag

Off-topic to Samsung's new region lock policy? You be the judge. :laugh:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
This might be true, but if we all keep buying their stuff like (i)sheep, things will never change. :angel:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Pat.:
Certainly isn't working for you is it: D
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
The last thing I'll say about this issue:

I find it amusing to read that some people who bought an unlocked handset for £600.00, are now buying unlock codes..... LOL :cyclops:

The people who won't buy the note 3 because of this, and advise friends to buy the note 2 instead, don't forget that new note 2's also have this region lock as well as the S3 & S4 ;) So I would advise them to buy something different instead. :D
[Galaxy Note 3 General] gavinfabl:
What's so amusing. People are confused.

I haven't seen a clear written response from Samsung other than a sticky label. Have you ?
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Darkjamzi:
Sure, I understand people are confused, as am I. The amusing bit is, unlock codes for an unlocked phone. Unlock codes are so last year! :laugh:
[Galaxy Note 3 General] @rbiter:
Had no problem using USA sim in UK note2. I call bs by Samsung.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] boshindo:
Thanks for the update. This is what a Tmobile rep told me about the US version being usable only in the United States, which contradicts what Samsung in UK, Switzerland, and Germany have been saying.

This here is the problem. There are contradictions between what some Samsung outlets are saying and also what users are experiencing directly when they use sim cards outside their regions.

Mathieu, since some phones have been rooted, have you considered trying to mod the CSC file?
[Galaxy Note 3 General] hwertz:
I intend to hate them and boycott them if they don't do a 180 on this policy (at least, making sure the SIM can be swapped after a single activation on an "in-region" SIM.) I make recommendations to everyone I know and they take them seriously, they will not buy Samsung phones either if I tell them they are now terrible. Samsung as a whole is a diversified company. Samsung Mobile generated $5 billion in profit because they made good phones; with this restriction in place they are no longer good. They will either reverse this decision, or once sales crater enough, exit the phone market.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] omeryounos:
Agreed...
[Galaxy Note 3 General] sharl1987:
For the millionth time, USA networks are not in the blacklist for european phones. More than 10 people have verified this already and it had been posted over and over again. Trying a US SIM on a european phone is worthless. However, a firmware update might include those network codes in the european version.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] ziprar:
haha, I was thinking of getting an S4, a sim free unlocked version from my local retailer(not a grey import), but after this whole bs I will stay away from samsung.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] waleed-:
i just received my unlock code from puman.ru. It works perfectly. If you found found the 500 error, sent a message through contact icon. Good luck
[Galaxy Note 3 General] omeryounos:
Enjoy your phone dude.

Seriously, this is so ridiculous from Samsung, that we first pay full price for the phone then on the top pay for unlocking the so called unlocked phone...shameful...never going to buy samsung again...they have even surpassed Apple in putting restrictions on consumers...
[Galaxy Note 3 General] dxzh:
Samsung UK call

Samsung UK's main customer service team (+44 330 726 7864) were clear with me yesterday afternoon that:

- the region lock is planned to be rolled out in the upcoming Kitkat update to a multitude of phones (eg SGS3, SGS4, Note II and Note 3) which receive the Kitkat upgrade including those manufactured before July 2013 - i.e. it will not just apply to those being sold subject to the legal notice stuck on the shipping box of the most recently manufactured phones.

- an otherwise unlocked Note 3 cannot currently be taken to a Samsung service centre to have the region lock completely removed as the region lock is intended to be included in Samsung stock from now on - it seems there is no current plan to allow for its removal on an individual phone basis in the future.

- they were aware of the Samsung Switzerland facebook statement that the region lock would only apply at first activation but Samsung UK could not confirm that the region lock would not apply following activation as it was apparently a "grey area" still being discussed at company management level - it could be that SIMs of certain networks outside the region would work but others not.

- they recommended (which seemed surprisingly refreshing) that I did not spend my money buying an unlocked Note 3 for now if I was still concerned about the continued application of the embedded region lock stopping use of any foreign SIMs - at least until the situation was clarified by a statement (if any) on Samsung website.

FYI, I had raised points on the region lock on Thursday (26th) with Samsung UK and the Samsung UK team had arranged for a Tier 2 rep to investigate more fully and call me back yesterday afternoon to answer points. That they did call me back yesterday (27th 3.22pm GMT) and were then prepared to give straightforward answers to the extent they had them and admit where they did not have answers gives me some genuine belief that Samsung are actually a decent company and trying to tell it how it is. I have the contact details at Samsung UK and a customer reference number to call back in order to ask further questions next week if I wish.

One way or another it would be great if Samsung Global corporate team perhaps under the auspices of the honourable Mr J.K. Shin could coordinate the publication of a statement in "plain English" to clarify all the uncertainty, hearsay, briefings and reported contradictions eminating from Samsung Europe, US and their various PR companies, reps, blogs, etc about precisely when (if at all) the region lock will apply to prevent the use of a SIM from outside the home region. I personally would still love to buy a (properly unlocked) Note 3 as well as upgrade my unlocked SGS3 to Kitkat (on an unlocked basis) - ever hopeful!
[Galaxy Note 3 General] Onweel2:
One problem is. Why Service centre can not unlock the phone for us. It only a few number to put it in. And why the Russian website can do that ? Some people here use the Russian website and it working. This mean Samsung want us to pay 15-20 US to the website than service them customer ?

And the phone is already out there for 3-5 day. Why still no Official statement from them. They plan to sell this phone a million unit in 1 month.

why it is only statement to the bloger email.

It is the shame. i like the phone very much. Yes, I still can return my phone within 7 day but i realy like this phone. and i do not understand why Samsung do this. I just want to protect my customer-right. when i buy the unlock phone it should be unlock. and when they say something it should be truth.

Now allaboutsamsung.de now aware of this problem. The friend's of the reporter also can not use vitenam-sim-card in the phone.

Hope this topic never gone.
[Galaxy Note 3 General] puman:
Hi guys!

Welcome to Russia;)