lumia 950 Firmware update

What's really interesting is that AT&T will gladly accept unlocked (non-AT&T branded) versions of the 950 and 950XL on their network, both of which have been running the new firmware for a couple of months. It's pretty obvious that the firmware works on AT&T, so other than internal testing, I can't see why they don't go ahead and release it.

Your note about an unlocked phone got me to thinking. Is there any reason I shouldn't unlock my AT&T 950 (assuming they will let me)? Wouldn't this always result in getting OS and firmware updates quicker?

 I'm not sure what the difference is between a phone that's unlocked to start and one that's unlocked via a code at a later time; that would be an interesting experiment. Unlocking the phone will allow it to be used on carriers other than AT&T, but I have no idea how that affects what upgrade servers the phone talks to.

I do know that AT&T will begrudginly give you an unlock code only after you have paid off the phone or made it past the contract period. I actually got unlock codes for my and my wife's Lumia 920 phones a while back and still use them as backup devices when needed. Even though we were entitled to the codes, I still had to go through a month long process with AT&T's customer no-service department to get them. AT&T didn't want to take their claws out of the phones even though they were long ago paid for in full.

Thanks for that clarification!

Also, the Windows Insider program only bypasses the carrier for OS updates. Firmware is still tied to the carrier even when using the device recovery tool. 

(Developer here, Fast Ring Insider for a looonng time on both PC and Mobile)

@ODad

yeah I think they should call these phone unbranded unlocked phones.  That away the consumer wont get a surprise when something happens.

The OS update push was done by Microsoft not ATT. ATT still has the say about firmware though. Just have to wait til ATT is done "testing" for the firmware update.

Since early July, Microsoft rolled out firmware update for the Lumia 950x devices, version 01078.00053.16236.35xxx. AT&T has remained silent on plans to rollout this update to customers. These are customers who are paying for service yet intentionally receiving incomplete and sub-par service from AT&T. This is similar to software fixes for a vehicle the manufacturer has released but the dealership refuses to make available ... maybe until enough attention is brought onto the issue... 

I am certain AT&T does not regulate Apple devices, nor the varied Android devices (different versions per vendor per device); those updates are not regulated this haltingly!!!

Customers walking into your stores get bombarded with preferred devices based on best sellers, your cash cows.... here's a tip, either support the Microsoft Lumia 950x devices fully, completely, or don't carry them.

You are doing a dis-service to your paying customers... and I am not happy...This is a slap in my face for the loyalty (customer since the Cellular One days) ...

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I have to admit I was wrong about the OS update that was released surprisingly quick.  I really wish we would get the firmware update though. The wifi issue is really annoying to deal with!