Getting a G1 from Europe

**daft** · 09-24-2008, 07:22 AM

I'm sorry if this is a somewhat daft question to ask, but I'm not really that well oriented in the workings of the mobile world. Lets say that the T-Mobile G1 gets cracked and can be used with other carriers. How would I as a "hobby developer" in Europe go about getting a G1 from the US? Would there be online stores selling "cracked" version of the G1 or is that illegal? Would I have to rely on good natured Internet friends residing tin the US for ordering and shipping on a unit to me in the EU? Again, a bit daft I know, but if anyone could fill me in I'd really aprreciate it.

***EDIT***
Sorry mods, I didn't realize I was in the wrong forum until it was to late. Please move.

**DeLorean Dude** · 09-24-2008, 07:50 AM

Where in Europe are you?

When its cracked (when, not if) then there will be instructions online.

The hard part will be getting it without the contract (assuming there is no prepay).

**divestoclimb** · 09-24-2008, 08:28 AM

I thought some European countries had laws about SIM locking (or maybe Europeans just won't put up with such shenanigans in the marketplace). Usually we in the US can buy unlocked European versions of phones online at (near) full price with no carrier agreement required. That might eventually be the case with this model too.

**DeLorean Dude** · 09-24-2008, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by divestoclimb

I thought some European countries had laws about SIM locking (or maybe Europeans just won't put up with such shenanigans in the marketplace). Usually we in the US can buy unlocked European versions of phones online at (near) full price with no carrier agreement required. That might eventually be the case with this model too.

Belgium and one other country have a law against phone locking, yes.

**daft** · 09-24-2008, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by DeLorean Dude

Where in Europe are you?

When its cracked (when, not if) then there will be instructions online.

The hard part will be getting it without the contract (assuming there is no prepay).

I'm in Sweden, and we don't have T-Mobile here so we might have to wait quite some time to get the G1.

**DeLorean Dude** · 09-24-2008, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by daft

I'm in Sweden, and we don't have T-Mobile here so we might have to wait quite some time to get the G1.

The first quarter of 2009, so just a few months.

If you do want to get one shipped from the US you will need some friends there to ship it to you, but like I said, unless you can get it on prepay its very unlikely they could get it without the US contract.

**daft** · 09-24-2008, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean Dude

The first quarter of 2009, so just a few months.

If you do want to get one shipped from the US you will need some friends there to ship it to you, but like I said, unless you can get it on prepay its very unlikely they could get it without the US contract.

Thanks mate, that's what I was worried about. I'm not too sure about Q1 though. It is all down to the carriers here in Sweden, and they all claim to be optimistic about the Gogle handset, but they are all awaiting further developments before commiting themselves to selling it. Fingers crossed though.