There was a service that used to allow us to activate an iPhone, purchased NEW, out of contract (branded for AT&T). All it required was the IMEI and the phone number tied to an AT&T SIM card. That service has gone away, for whatever reason.
Individuals who successfully factory unlocked those iPhones, without the above service, when attempting to finish the process were presented with: "Activation Required" or 'SIM card is not for correct carrier". However, the IMEI for the iPhone remains unlocked in Apple's database, that's permanent.
Question: Does anyone know if it's possible to purchase a new iPhone (AT&T), out of contract, and use a registered GoPhone SIM card to "activate" the iPhone on AT&T's' network?
Once it is activated, then the individual may unlock it using any of the online services.
The GoPhone SIM and service will be legitimately purchased and activated, but the iPhone, again, will be brand new with no contract.
Note: The iPhone can be used with the GoPhone service, we've done it plenty of times. We just haven't purchased a new iPhone and tried it as described above. Thanks.