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> AT&T’s policy allows unlocking of phones on postpaid plans after 60 days if the device has been paid in full, or after six months for phones on prepaid plans. T-Mobile’s policy allows unlocking of phones on postpaid plans after 40 days if the device has been paid in full, or after 365 days for phones on prepaid plans.

If the phone is paid in full, what is the justification for not unlocking it?

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Playing devils advocate…

In cases of fraud, it creates buffer time for the consumer who’s identity was stolen to notice and notify before the device disappears.

I can see that for credit-card fraud, etc, however I'd wager most such fraud will be detected in days 0-60, and comparatively none of it in days 61-365. (Are there stats?)

So some buffer is legitimate, but not the amount they are trying to impose.

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