So during this unlock debacle, one of the reps said yes the phones can be ulocked and gave me a number to call: 1-800-***
I called that number several times during the day in the afternoon and early morning hours PST.
The recording's first option is to press 1 to unlock your phone. I press it and then it goes through a series of clicks and then says we are now closed and to please call back during business hours 8am to midnite EST Mon-Fri. Say what? I was callling well within that time. Well that got me nowhere.
Then I was told that that number was an old one and to call 1-866-***
This number was for the premier customer care. I thought, "great." Now I'll be taken care of. Well the people there said the same thing that they can't unlock the phone unless paid in full and that it would have to go through regular customer care because they just take care of new phone setups.
What a frustrating experience !!
From this point on, I will have to recommend Verizon for the simple fact that they, from the get-go, will sell you a completely unlocked iPhone !!
[Edited to comply with Guidelines - removed unverified numbers]