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Mobile networks agree to scrap unlocking charges


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Old 10-10-2016, 15:20
d123
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I hadn't seen this reported before.

All the major mobile phone networks have abolished unlocking charges for pay monthly customers who are outside their minimum contract term, after intervention from the Government.

Unlocking your phone means you can use any network's Sim card – giving you the freedom to switch providers and therefore lower your costs by bagging cheaper tariffs.

The Government pledged to take action on unlocking fees in last year's Autumn Statement, and had been considering legislation to force providers to offer free unlocking. However, it announced today (9 October) that a "voluntary solution" has been reached.

Many mobile networks already let pay monthly customers outside their minimum contract term unlock their phone for free, although earlier this year EE charged £8.99 and Virgin Mobile £15.32. Both firms have told MoneySavingExpert.com they've now stopped charging.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/new...076.1430326492
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Old 10-10-2016, 16:46
beans0ntoast
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Phewee, about time!

I had to have a previous phone unlocked and VM would have charged me just over £15! It was cheaper for me to take it to my local phone shop and let them do it for £10...

Hopefully, if I need to unlock any other phone that I got from VM, they'll do it for free now
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Old 10-10-2016, 17:01
SkipTracer
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Voluntary solution sets my mind to thinking things will just stay as they are.
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Old 10-10-2016, 19:27
Stig
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My only concern is that they will be less inclined to unlock a phone if the background history of the phone is less than 100% clear. A few years ago T-Mobile unlocked a 2nd hand phone for me as I'd used it on a PAYG plan for a year. I doubt that will happen for free now.
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Old 10-10-2016, 20:17
d123
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My only concern is that they will be less inclined to unlock a phone if the background history of the phone is less than 100% clear. A few years ago T-Mobile unlocked a 2nd hand phone for me as I'd used it on a PAYG plan for a year. I doubt that will happen for free now.
As the new rules cover unlocking contract phones for the owner after the end of the minimum term you'd probably be right.
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Old 10-10-2016, 20:26
Everything Goes
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If you want to unlock your phone before your minimum contract term is up, or you're on pay as you go, you may still need to pay though.

So they can refuse to unlock a phone that is say still within its 24 month contract or charge you whatever they like. Bit of an own goal.
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Old 10-10-2016, 20:29
d123
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If you want to unlock your phone before your minimum contract term is up, or you're on pay as you go, you may still need to pay though.

So they can refuse to unlock a phone that is say still within its 24 month contract or charge you whatever they like. Bit of an own goal.
I don't read that to say they can refuse, just that they can charge (so no change to the current rules there).
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Old 10-10-2016, 20:33
Everything Goes
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I don't read that to say they can refuse, just that they can charge (so no change to the current rules there).
Well EE refuse to unlock a phone within the first 6 months of ownership. There is no reason why they cant extend that if they want to.


http://ee.co.uk/help/getting-started...ng-your-device
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Old 10-10-2016, 21:12
d123
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Well EE refuse to unlock a phone within the first 6 months of ownership. There is no reason why they cant extend that if they want to.


http://ee.co.uk/help/getting-started...ng-your-device
Quite true, but not really included in the new rules so immaterial, the rules of unlocking during the contract are completely outside the agreement and unchanged.

Hopefully that will change in the future and the networks won't lock phones at all.
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