The days of network-locked devices are soon to be a thing of the past, thanks to a new regulation set to ban the practice in the UK from December 2021.
Communications regulator Ofcom announced the decision this morning, October 27, saying that locked handsets can discourage users from switching providers when their contracts end, which often leads to them spending more many on their existing phone plan than they would be with a new provider.
Networks have previously justified selling locked phones by saying it helps to deter theft and fraud. However many major network providers have already shifted to only selling unlocked phones.
The main companies affected by the ban are EE, Vodafone and Tesco Mobile.
Ofcom connectivity director Selina Chadha said in a [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:
We know that lots of people can be put off from switching because their handset is locked. So we?re banning mobile companies from selling locked phones, which will save people time, money and effort ? and help them unlock better deals.
The rule change comes alongside several other new regulations targeted at making it easier for customers to negotiate broadband and mobile contracts. Other measures include providing communications in accessible formats such as braille, and giving customers stronger rights to leave if the terms of their contract change.
Something like that will still have a minimum term. Some terms are 24 months the last time I looked.
Cheap monthly SIM only for me. Well, two. One for the house on a mobile router, the other in my phone of course. Home unlimited everything ?18.75 and mobile 30GB plus unlimited calls and texts ?10 - how irrelevant texts are nowadays.
Edit to say that you can take the mobile router on holiday to stream as well or for example away to work.
No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...
Buying direct from the manufacturer also gets you consumer law protection, I don't think you get this otherwise. I just had my 3 year old iPhone replaced using this as it suddenly stopped charging and was outside of the 2 year EU warranty. You have to mention UK consumer law though otherwise they conveniently omit to tell you about it...
I always buy the handset outright then get a decent sim only contract.
I cant see how this makes much difference as you will still be in contract anyway and most people just renew to get a new phone...
Most companies will unlock at the end of the contract if you ask them or you can get unlocks on ebay for a tenner..
I havnt had a contract for years I always buy my phones in Singpore... Many overseas workers there get contract phones and sell them cheap before doing a runner..
Puts them phone shops who unlock out of business ?
Don?t impact me I used to love a new phone regular, can?t be arsed now and stick with the good old faithful
Good for those who change but wouldn?t want a 3 year deal
Ban On Sale Of Network-Locked Phones
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