TheDiabolicaL1 wrote: I had a reasonable expectation that the device I PRE ORDERED (nearly a month before I received it in an effort to keep my unlimited data package) would arrive unlocked, just like every other carrier. I traded up from a Droid X2, which, is also locked down. I would not have purchased the SGS3 had I known the boot loader been locked. That said, I like the phone but I do not agree with Verizons stance that locking the device down is warranted or reasonable. I am waiting for an official response from Verizon on behalf of the complaint I filed with the FCC. I am also still under contract for my Droid x2 so leaving Verizon, without paying, isn't an option. I should make it clear that I like Verizon for what I pay them for- cellular service. I do not appreciate them meddling with my device. I certainly don't appreciate what I'm about to type.. My first Verizon phone was the BlackBerry Storm. Need I say more? 1st time Verizon screwed me. My second device was a Motorola Droid X. Encrypted bootloader and all. #2 My third device- a Motorola Droid X2 sent to me by Assurian to replace an accidental break for the Droid X. Locked down and forgotten. This one really gets me though, as I still have this phone and it's hardware is fine. It is what I upgraded from. While the software running the device leaves very much to be desired, it's hardware is functionally ok. (Edited content to comply with VZW ToS). I never went down that road as it's outside my abilities. In fact, it's hardware is very similar to a Nexus device that is currently running ICS. Motorola and Verizon both tell me the X2 can't run ICS, however,(Edited content to comply with VZW ToS). Seems to me it's perfectly capable. #3 SGS3- you know the story from there. My issue with the locked boot loader is it gives Verizon explicit ability to render any device outdated via it's software even though it's hardware still functions and is perfectly capable of running these updates OS's. By encrypting the boot-loader, Verizon can, at it's sole discretion, chose to not upgrade the device any further. They may not want to put time or money into it and I perfectly understand that. I really do. Considering the device is completely out of warranty and is no longer being supported either officially or unofficially, what's the harm in letting third party developers pick up where VZW and Moto left off? There isn't, other than the desire to sell phones. I wouldn't have purchased my SGS3 if I had been allowed to put ICS on my X2. Locking the boot-loader isn't about network security, or user experience. It's about preventing you from upgrading your device pass where Verizon would like to cut it off. Look at all those carriers who don't lock their boot-loaders. You'll find their smartphone sales have slumped. Verizon sees alot of upgrades from people with LOCKED DEVICES. Not so many from unlocked though. You find this behavior acceptable, but my questioning the reasonableness of it and suddenly I'm the bad guy. You guys are hilarious. | 
