SIM-free firmware updates?

[narfbg]

Hello,

Many owners of a SIM-free Xperia S have asked this question without receiving a proper answer. And I'd like to note - I'm both a very patient person and a big fan of Sony, but lately even I'm getting quite frustrated by the lack of support and information that I can get (and I've been digging a lot).

So, could somebody from Sony answer this once and for all - how and when are firmware updates released for unbranded phones?

The only thing close to a proper answer to this question is the following post on a thread about the latest (6.1.A.2.55) firmware version http://talk.sonymobile.com/thread/58483?start=10&tstart=0:

Now, this might make sense at first, but I'd like to ask you this - why would a specific operator/network receive a bug-fixing update for phones that are locked to it, but those who just may happen to be on such a network using a SIM-free phone shouldn't? IMO, a SIM-free phone should receive ALL bug-fixing firmware versions.

Plus, probably the only reason that I have a SIM-free handset is because I wanted to have it as early as possible. If I'm not the first one, I'm deffinately one of the first 10 people to buy the Xperia S in my country. I ordered it online with international shipping from the other end of Europe just because local shops don't have info about new Sony products until they have it in stock (which is another sad story).

And so, at the end of the day - I'm one of the first to buy it and the last to get a firmware update as it seems like all carriers have to receive an update before a SIM-free owner can - not cool, Sony.

FYI, my SI number is 1257-3114 and I'm stuck on 6.1.A.0.453, forcing me to restart the device every few days in order to get data connectivity working.

[Johan]

There are many different software customizations and some operators have their own. In this specific update there was some bugs that has been fixed but these bugs were only affecting specific operator customizations.

All updates roll out gradually over time, if you want more information about when it might arrive to your device you should contact your local support team to check which build that is available for your region and customization.

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/support/contact-us/contact-info/

[#3]

Johan wrote:
There are many different software customizations and some operators have their own. In this specific update there was some bugs that has been fixed but these bugs were only affecting specific operator customizations.

The main reason for buying a SIM free handset is to avoid all operator customizations as the phone is devoid of them so your reasoning makes little sense mate sorry.

Sony manage to do PS3 firmware updates worldwide simultaneously and to the best of my knowledge the PS3 has had 23 hardware revisions.

[pixate]

I think the reality is that as a back runner in the race for smartphone domination, suppliers like sony have to jump through whatever hoops the mobile networks slipulate. It's much easier to set the rules when you are apple or samsung! But Sony is running arround trying to keep the operators happy, thus why people like me on the sim only deal get pushed to the back. We have the quietest voice compared to Vodafone...

Support wise, Sony seems to be treating all it's customers with the same level of disregard on this forum, so don't take it personally!