[buster cat]

I paid a lot for their galaxy S-4 when I left them for another carrier (T-Mobile) , to get it un-locked ! meaning it is my phone now , yet I cant use it , they have a block on updates etc. , my T-Mobile sim card works kinda , but no upgrade to lollipop which both carriers are offering for this model now . SGH-1537, 4.2.2 .
its my phone so why can they keep your phone even after the payoff ransom ?
what I have to buy a new carriers phone to enjoy all the benefits ? HELP

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I don't think it's intentional. A phone from AT&T will require the firmware for the AT&T version. If you're not on the AT&T network any more, there's no way to get the OTA system updates from AT&T for that specific phone.

You could instead try flashing the firmware using Odin: http://forums.androidcentral.com/amb...interface.html. Find the proper firmware for the exact phone model here: Firmwares - SamMobile

[UJ95x]

Find someone with an active ATT SIM or go to a Best Buy with a Samsung Experience Store inside. They'll update it for you

[Rukbat]

Or you could look on XDA Forums, in the S4 AT&T forums, for a captured update file. (They normally delete themselves after updating, but some of the developers there capture the update file and post if for situations like yours.)

@B. Diddy:
Your post seems to have cleared up the situation. Is April 30th "Weird Day" or something?