Oh it does work, believe me. Because I did it...

I did exactly as I described in my earlier post. I was told this procedure by a supervisor at Vodafone, so I proceeded to get a $9.95 prepay start kit and $70 credit. The staff member at the Vodafone store had not heard of this method when I described it to him either. He told me to ring him back after I had done it, to let him know if it was successful or not. I rang him back that very day I got the iPhone unlocked.

If you are talking to someone that says it is not possible, don't take no for an answer. I tried two previous times talking to a customer service representative who said they only do it either online or with a credit card. I told them that there is no such option to unlock it online and I had already bought $80 worth of credit and I dont want to be charged another $75 to unlock it.
I rang a third time, and was told the same thing, but I asked him if I could speak to a supervisor. He said he would talk to him and put me on hold. About 5 minutes later, he described the process of deducting the $75 from the balance on the prepaid account, took down my IMEI number and other details.
Less than 3 days later, it was unlocked.

so can i unlocked by going to vodafone website now? cos i just want to confirm before going ahead

vodafone Australia - Handset Unlocking

I think you got lucky there NathR32.

I don't think the same will work for Spoon because online unlocking is now available. No excuse. Whereas you did not have the online facility [at the time].

Ah, its up. You can do it online. The unlocking is available now. Yeah thats what I just thought Huy.

I already bought a Prepay visa. I will just unlock asap.

Hey guys, just checked the website, it still states the following......

"Important Information about unlocking iPhone:
iPhone unlocking online is coming soon. Until this service is available online you can unlock your phone by calling Customer Care on 1300 650 410, or 1555 from your mobile if you’re an existing customer."

I couldn't find anywhere you could unlock the iPhone ?

Handset Unlocking - Identify Handset

I think this URL has been in this thread a few (6) times.

Thanks Huy

So you can definately unlock the iPhone from that section of the website, I just thought it would be different process as they have put a "please note" for iPhone unlocks, call customer care?

Yes you can definitely unlock with the website.
It used to be the different method i.e. call an operator, pass your IMEI over, CC details, etc until such time as the online method was available.
Online method is now available (has been for some time).
Vodafone have just not updated their FAQ to reflect this... lazy buggers.

Go ahead and use the online website. It will work for iPhone 3G.

Thanks Huy !!

How long can I expect to wait? Been 3 days now. Just wondering.

I never received a call or SMS or anyhing to let me know that it had been done.
If you have some spare time, do a backup in iTunes and restore the iPhone. Pop in your different carriers sim and see if it worked.

They can't call you, or SMS. They have no number to do so. Especially if you do it via CC online or over the phone. Done that. I will do it one last time tonight.

If you are a current customer, they can SMS you. Your number will be in their system.

If you do it online, your CC and transaction will be tied to the IMEI which will be registered with the network. Same as if you did it over the phone. You will pass these details on. Explicitly or implicitly via connecting with the network.

I say give it 3 to 5 business days for unlocking to occur.

Im registered with there network, nor is my visa. Just prepaid.