Locked phones banned to make switching networks easier

摘要

Ofcom is to ban UK mobile firms from selling phones locked to their networks. The regulator said that unlocking phones was complicated and often discouraged owners from switching networks at the end of their contracts. The ban, to be implemented in December 2021, will affect Tesco Mobile and Vodafone, as well as BT and its EE mobile division. The other major networks - 02, Sky, Three and Virgin - have already stopped selling locked phones. Networks had previously argued that locking phones deterred thieves from stealing them in order to commit fraud.