Orange UK, VOIP and Debranding

[carbonem]

Hi.

I'm really sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, but I couldn't really find something precise about Orange UK. And as it takes some risks, I want to be sure.

Today I received a new Nokia 95 (4GB) from Orange UK. Basically I came to a deal of 25 pounds a month with 100min, 100txt and 250Mb per month + N95-4GB. They also said that they will send me an 8GB memory card so that I have more space...well...let's see.

I previously had an E61 and after doing an update (with Nokia Updater) I managed to get Internet Calls (VOIP). Ah, before this option was blocked.

I now installed Fring on the N95 and it seems to work (doesn't it use VOIP for Skype?). But then, looking at this forum, I noticed that I could also use VoipCheap by making some SIP settings and using directly Internet Call. I managed to define SIP but then, when I dial a number and click on option I only get Voice Call and Video Call ==> Our nice Orange friends have de-activated Internet Calls...

I called Orange. In the beginning this guy had no idea what I was talking about. Then after several chats with his friends, he told me that I have to call Nokia for that...then I asked if my warrantee was void if Nokia put that functionality back and he told me that it would be fine if Nokia did it.

I haven't called Nokia yet, but it seems that Nokia Updater doesn't give me a newer version (only ver. 13 is the latest for my phone).

I see that there is a way around by changing the phone code so it believes it is a general Europe (I guess the most advanced).

Now what are the risks of doing this? Is my warrantee void if I do it? Why can't Nokia put the latest version? Can you please shed some light on all this? Shall I hate Orange and switch to O2?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Steve_R]

Changing the product code and debranding will void your warranty. However, it depends if anyone would notice. For that, you take the risk.

Nokia techs (I'm led to believe) are in no way allowed to mess with your product code.

If you feel up to changing the code yourself and updating to the latest version there is a guide to it on here in the 'N95 Tips' thread I think.

De-branding will remove all the lockdowns Orange has put on your N95, and put it to the way Nokia intended.

[carbonem]

i see. But then why has orange told me to phone Nokia about this? Can they not just add the VOIP feature?

[Steve_R]

Originally Posted by carbonem

i see. But then why has orange told me to phone Nokia about this? Can they not just add the VOIP feature?

They told you that because they cant be bothered dealing with it, and trying to explain why they are money robbing so-n-so's for disabling VOIP.....

[carbonem]

argh...Orange...

I've just spoken to Nokia.

They told me I have two possibilities for having VOIP: either I use third party sw e.g. Fring or debrand my mobile.

For the second option there are two ways: 1) The legal way i.e. I get authorized by Orange to do so and then go to a Nokia shop for debranding or 2) the illegal way that they cannot tell me about but I told them I know how.

If 2) I lose warrantee from operator and/or Nokia.

What shall I do? I can also send the mobile back to Nokia, but I like it and Orange is the only company who's gonna give me a good deal as I'm an existing customer. Argh...I'm scared of illigally debranding because I read a lot of posts here of people who bricked their phone doing so....HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP

[Steve_R]

How much is your monthly charge on Orange? If you dont mind me asking.......

[carbonem]

Written above: 100min, 100text 250Mb for 25£

[Thisisthefall]

That's really quite expensive. I'm paying £35 for unlimited texts and 600 minutes, spose it's your data package that bumps it up. Anyway, to be honest, I would just debrand. You can always change your product code back afterwards. And if anything does go wrong with your phone. I'm sure people here can help you out.

EDIT: Just re-read your above post about people bricking their phone by debranding. In my experience, it took all of 5 seconds to debrand. Litterally just type in a new product code, and click write, that's it. I'm guessing the problems arise when people use the wrong product codes, or mess the firmware update up afterwards.

[93tid]

Originally Posted by Thisisthefall

That's really quite expensive. I'm paying £35 for unlimited texts and 600 minutes, spose it's your data package that bumps it up. Anyway, to be honest, I would just debrand. You can always change your product code back afterwards. And if anything does go wrong with your phone. I'm sure people here can help you out.

EDIT: Just re-read your above post about people bricking their phone by debranding. In my experience, it took all of 5 seconds to debrand. Litterally just type in a new product code, and click write, that's it. I'm guessing the problems arise when people use the wrong product codes, or mess the firmware update up afterwards.

It is dangerous and misleading to give advice without understanding the terms and actions yourself.

Debranding is not changing your product code. Debranding is replacing your handset's branded firmware with a generic non-branded firmware - changing your product code is only the first step of this procedure and any upgrade/re-install of firmware carries the risk of "bricking" the phone.

Debranding DOES VOID YOUR WARRANTY - and changing back the product code to the original one makes no difference when you use Nokia Software Updater to upgrade/install your firmware - Nokia have already registered in their database what you have done with your handset and all Nokia service centres will have that info when you take your handset to them for repair.

There are several threads on this forum dedciated to this subject, this is the latest:

Debranding DOES invalidate warranty

[MAVERICK_N95]

Orange minus it's Voip
(IS Orange Spoiling a Good phone) it's they.. that are advistising the N95 to reel the punters in and/or keep them.. yet they refuse to hold their hands up and tell ya the TRUTH yes they Crippled your phone and created a problem/s that should be difined as Selling Fakes (yes fake N95) or well below spec. if its a N95 it should do what it say at the nokia site ...

the orange branded should be outlawed if it cripples the phone and many people have complained to trading standards MANY MANY people have voiced thier opinions re: orange/vodaphone tatics.. and thats not to mention how they also try to cripple some messenger programs that work over GPRS/wap !!!

Therefore whats wrong with treating them as you find them. if your savay enough to de-brand then do it!
or perhaps ask someone techy for some help.

if the phone really fails within contract - 12/18months. do as others did take out orange cover @ £5/£6 per month.. then micro wave the faulty phone and send it back. !!!( remove battery sim card and memory 1st. ) !!! about 6 seconds is enough to KILL it stone DEAD.

Thereafter you get a nice new one (that again needs........ Debranding)
maybe it's Not the best or safest advice... But it works if things go wrong..



QUOTE=93tid;110798]It is dangerous and misleading to give advice without understanding the terms and actions yourself.

Debranding is not changing your product code. Debranding is replacing your handset's branded firmware with a generic non-branded firmware - changing your product code is only the first step of this procedure and any upgrade/re-install of firmware carries the risk of "bricking" the phone.

Debranding DOES VOID YOUR WARRANTY - and changing back the product code to the original one makes no difference when you use Nokia Software Updater to upgrade/install your firmware - Nokia have already registered in their database what you have done with your handset and all Nokia service centres will have that info when you take your handset to them for repair.

There are several threads on this forum dedciated to this subject, this is the latest:

Debranding DOES invalidate warranty[/quote]