Carrier Bought Brand New Mini: is it carrier locked?

[adam9c1]

Purchased a brand new iPad Mini Sprint branded at a retail computer store.

Called Sprint to check if the device is carrier locked.
Cust service has no info on this IEMI device and tells me to call tech support direct.
Tech support direct asks for my Sprint number (which I'm not a customer of) and tells me to take the device to local store.

Called local store first and was given cust. serv. number.

Catch 22.

 

[GGJstudios]

iPads are not carrier locked. This should help: iPad Q&A

iPad models equipped with wireless mobile data connectivity (3G or 4G+LTE), regardless of generation, are "unlocked" and not tied to a carrier in the United States.

However, just because the iPad is sold unlocked does not mean that any specific version of the device will work on all carriers. Paying attention to supported frequency details is important to avoid disappointment, and perhaps even more so on the used market.

 

[dyt1983]

Locked or not, it's a great story.

 

[adam9c1]

Chatting with Sprint online chat. I'm told it's locked and will only work with Sprint.

I'm told to visit store I bought it to unlock (it's a retail store that died not sell any serv contracts)

I'm told to bring to Speint owned store.

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I'm a TMobile Customer.

Am I better off returning this Sprint unit and picking up ATT branded device?
The store does not have 64GB andymore for ATT only 128GB (and I do not need that much space).

 

[Aspasia]

Return it and buy one from the Apple Store. Chicago has several.

 

[adam9c1]

Not for the price I got. $329 plus tax for mini 2 (retina) 64gb.

 

[adam9c1]

Update: took the Mini to Tmobile store, removed Sprint SIM card and inserted TMO.
No problems.