gdgt

if AT&T will unlock it for you, or you can get it unlocked from their network, you then need to change the product code on the device to a Nokia standard one. Then you can put the Nokia only firmware on and take it to any network you like. The hardest part is getting AT&T to let go of it in the first place

Okay, so if they unlock it, then just change the product code and let the Nokia Desktop software do the firmware upgrade, or still some hack-job to get the E71 firmware on there? I'll do some Googling if I get that far. I just wanted to know if it was even an option first. I think it should be easy to get them to unlock it... just refuse to pay the Early Termination Fee until they unlock it. That might even be a good way to get out of paying the fee. Then they can keep the phone locked for all I'd care because I could justify buying an Android phone.

I'll find a link to the software you need to change the product code. memory is a bit frail presently, nut its called NSS or something, i'll post as soon as i know.

check out this link for all / most of what you need

nokia.nigelcoldwell.co.uk­/firmware.htm

I changed my product code to an regular E71 product code and opened up Nokia Software Update, no luck still detected the phone as an e71x. I believe the only way to trick NSU is to change the RM value, which I have no idea how to do. If anyone does please chime in.

The E71x is a different product to the E71. I'm in the UK so just taking a good guess, but is the E71x only available on AT&T? If so Nokia won't have made any other firmware for it.

Just done a quick look on Google and it seems the E71x is AT&T specific!

AT&T paid Nokia to do it, and what with Nokia hurting after being battered by Apple and Android they probably just did it for the cash. With no front camera and no FM it will be different internal hardware as the front camera is almost always on the same board has the keypad, so it will be different.

Unfortunately it looks like you're stuck with the AT&T firmware, unless this model appears on another network somewhere their's will be the only version there is.

Sadly, it's true that NSS won't help you with the E71x. As it's been said, the hardware is different. More importantly, the OS is a newer version from that of the original E71. If you want to use the device on T-Mobile you simply need to unlock it. A quick call to AT&T will get you the unlock code. Just say you need it to travel overseas. Then you can use whatever sim card you like. You should know that you won't get 3G on T-Mobile's network, as they use different frequencies from AT&T. Edge will work fine though, and the phone still has wifi.

This device will likely never be unbranded, with NSS or any other tool due to its uniqueness. If after unlocking, I'd recco one of T-Mobile's cheaper bring-your-own-phone plans sans contract before paying AT&T an ETF. Remember that they prorate the ETF [I think it gets $5 cheaper with each month you pay them]. If you decide to go T-Mobile and want 3G, you should try selling your unlocked [but not unbranded] E71x on craigslist.