What is the network unlock code for my HTC Thunderbolt?

[Goldibug]

I want to unlock my husband and I's HTC Thunderbolts. Our contract is up and we bought our phones out right  before we signed a contract. What is the network unlock code for the HTC Thunderbolt phones? 

[Ann154]

I don't think the HTC Thunderbolt can be unlocked and used on another carrier.

[Goldibug]

I was told by another carrier that by law the phones should be unlocked if paid for in full. 

[Ann154]

The technology used by that carrier and Verizon might be two different type and devices made for one don't usually work on the other.

For example, AT&T using the GSM network for their service.  Verizon uses CDMA.  You can't take a Verizon Wireless branded device and use it on AT&T.  You also can't use GSM based phone on Verizon Wireless.

Goldibug wrote:

I was told by another carrier that by law the phones should be unlocked if paid for in full. 

This statement is only true for GSM carriers and devices designed to work on GSM networks.

[Goldibug]

Thanks. Apparently Verizon isn't really "sorry to see the customer go".  I'll simply buy an unlocked phone and be done with Verizon for good. Two years is to long to be treated like this by them.  I bought my phone and should be able to use it with whatever carrier I want. It is no longer Verizon's phone. Yes I understand they own some of the stuff they put on my phone but by all means they can remove it. I didn't want their crap on their in the first place. I wish the rest of America would quick kissing their rear.  End Rant

>>Edited to remove profanity<<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

[Jax_Omen]

Technically speaking, you *can* activate a CDMA phone on another provider's network: you need the Master Subsidy Lock code (MSL) and the other provider has to be willing to activate an unknown MEID, AND they have to be willing to flash the phone with their network software.

Blame CDMA for how unneccessarily convoluted this garbage can be, and blame Verizon/Sprint/US Cellular/other CDMA providers for picking such a lousy technology instead of GSM.

[TPC99]

I checked with HTC and the Thunderbolt can be unlocked- Verizon refuses to do so

I have 3 IPhone 5 s on my current account and wanted to donate my Thunderbolts to The Salvation Army volunteer who does not have enough money to activate and buy a new phone- he is on T Mobile

[Ann154]

The HTC Thunderbolt has only one GSM style frequency it can connect to. This is the 700 MHz (band 13) frequency. T-Mobile doesn't operate their GSM network on that frequency. The CDMA radios in the HTC Thunderbolt is not compatible with the GSM network used by T-Mobile. Verizon Wireless also doesn't unlock the CDMA portion of their phones. Therefore the HTC Thunderbolt can't be used on T-Mobile.

You would better off locating an unlocked GSM phone for this person to use. If they had a phone from overseas, it might already be compatible to a degree with the T-Mobile network.