AT&T reportedly unlocking iPhones for deployed military personnel

AT&T began unlocking qualifying iPhones on Sunday. The company stipulates that customer accounts must be in good standing, not be associated with a current and active term commitment and fulfilled their contract term, upgraded or paid an early termination fee.

Customers report that the unlocking process goes through iTunes and requires a backup and restore.

MacRumors reports that AT&T has begun unlocking iPhones for American military personnel, even if their phones are still under contract. The policy appears to be a goodwill decision on AT&T's part, as federal law mandates only that wireless operators suspend service for deployed service members.

AppleInsider has reached out to AT&T for confirmation of the new policy, but it has yet to hear back from the company.

Branches of the military have been looking into using the iPhone and other smartphones for their soldiers and other personnel. Last month, the U.S. Army released an app marketplace with 12 mobile training applications for iOS.