I chose this because I heard a lot of stories about scams and that many providers I contacted said they can't unlock the Canadian I717s (one said "my Bell server" is down). 

This method worked perfectly on my Bell I717M and should work for all I717 in Canada, I was able to insert a foreign SIM card.  This will work abroad too but remember entering CWM mode is different for I717's in other countries (at least the US).

Step 1 - Root + CWM

First you need to root your phone, this is done via CWM (Clockwork Mod) flashing via Odin.

Note that on Canadian I717 Notes, to enter CWM you hold Volume Up + Down (the other methods on the net don't work because the US I717 is programmed differently, at least for entering CWM mode/BIOS).

After booting into CWM, install the "Superuser-i717-ICS-signed.zip" and then you'll be rooted.

Step 2 - Flash T989 Modem

This is the key, you need to boot into CWM mode (on my phone it's only possible when plugged into a USB cable).

Copy the T989 file to /sdcard on your phone.

Reboot your phone and hold Volume Up + Volume Down, you should be inside CWM mode.  Find the T989 file and install it, then reboot your phone.

Step 3 - Follow These Steps (repeat if it doesn't work)

I found the timing wasn't that important but it took two tries for this to work for me (I probably did a step wrong but timing does not seem to be a factor).

*copied from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514

Turn off phone. Insert a SIM from another provider into your phone.

Click "DISMISS" on the Enter Unlock Code screen after the phone starts up.

Wait a minute for the phone to power on and settle down.

Go to dailer screen. press *#197328640#

The screen will change to the hidden menu as soon as you hit the last # key in the dailer

press [1]DEBUG SCREEN
Press [8]PHONE CONTROL
Press [5] SIMULATION
Press [6] NETWORK LOCK
Press [3] PERSO SHA256 OFF
Wait exactly 30 seconds
press the menu key on the phone and select back option. This will take you back to NETWORK LOCK screen.
Press [4] NW LOCK NV DATA INITIALLIZ
Wait exactly one minute and reboot the phone.
Your phone should be unlocked.
I tried this on T-989 UVLE1 original ROM with root ON.
I haven't tested it on any other version or ROMs or any other phones.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything you do with your phone.

Step 4 - It Should Be Working/Flash Back Old Modem

The T989 modem worked fine for me but just to be safe, I flashed back my original modem after in CWM mode.

If you can insert a foreign SIM card/not from your provider, it should work if the SIM has service or it may say "Unregistered SIM" which is also fine (this is what it said for my old SIMs).

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