My girlfriend and I are into our phone plan just over the two year term. We bought the same phone at the same time and are experiencing the same problem: They shut down for days with no service. Then the date comes up as Jan 6 1980, but it does say limited service, I'm assuming this might mean emergency service.
I have tried everything including emailing HTC and Telus, they both try and help but neither can fix the problem. I went as far as telling them I believe it's a conspiracy to get people to buy a new phone.
I don't think I'm wrong. Unless someone can help me I am going to give up on the smartphones and return to the dumb phones, you know: The cell phones that only make and receive calls!
I am cancelling my phone plan as soon as you get back to me.