IMEI unlock delay or handling error

Hi,

hoping to get some support here because I just can't find an answer anywhere else.

I am using my Iphone 3GS in Germany and need to unlock due to repeated business trips

out of country. My idea was to get a cheaper sim card from the country I will be working in.

I requested unlock of the IMEI from the service provider T-Mobile, which was no problem since the phone is 3 1/2 years old.

Now, I have followed the instructions by Itunes various times but still no unlocking has been possible.

T-Mobile told me that this is not them but Apple support who are taking their time with unlocking my phone.

Is this possible ? 5 days now and nothing has happened ? I was told that this generally takes up to 48 hrs.

How can I find out what is causing this delay or if my data was transfered to Apple at all ?

Am I doing something wrong in the process ?

Thanks for any helpful answers.

JB