Not even a class action law suit will free iPhone users from the shackles of AT&T.

The law – we think it’s the law – says that carriers must provide customers with an unlock code for their device such that they can use their handset with any service provider they so choose after the completion of their contract.  Makes sense seeing as the contract term allows enough time for the subsidized cost provided by the carrier to be recouped.

AT&T recently lost a class action law suit that now requires the carrier to provide customers with the unlock codes.  The catch?  It doesn’t apply to the iPhone since AT&T’s agreement with Apple lasts longer than 10 months (see last point below).  Ultra lame, but you already knew that.

In order to qualify for the unlock code you must meet one or some the following criteria:

• Customers with a post paid account that have complete 90 days of active service and are in good standing
• Customers with a prepaid account, have a proof of purchase
• Customers who own handsets for which AT&T has an exclusive sales arrangement with a manufacturer of less than 10 months will have to wait until the 10-month period expires before they can receive an unlocking code

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Photo courtesy of iPhonheat

As you’ve probably heard by now, many folks are complaining about the iPhone 3G’s lack of 3Geeness.  One iPhone customer is so pissed that she’s filed a suit against Apple for misrepresenting the phone’s abilities.  Her name: Jessica Alena Smith.  She’s hoping the suit will get approved for class action status.

I tip my hat to Jessica, but I can’t help but wonder if she’s a lawyer trying to make a quick buck off Apple?  Sure the reception might suck, but she really hasn’t given Apple a fair chance to quell the problem.

[Ars]