UK: from December 2021, all network operators are not allowed to sell locked phones

The new regulations made by the British Communications Authority require operators are not allowed to sell locked phones. The authority stated that unlocking a locked version of a mobile phone is an extremely complicated process. More than half of users experience delays in unlocking passwords, failures, or not knowing the passwords.

This makes it impossible for users to switch networks and causes service interruption. Therefore, the UK Communications Authority stipulates that operators must not sell locked phones to allow users to easily switch networks.

The British Communications Authority stated that the contracts signed by operators and consumers usually have a fixed period, and users can switch network operators at will after the period ends.

“JUPAZIP GLASS iPhone X” by TheBetterDay is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

However, the survey showed that half of the users were interrupted due to unlocking problems after the contract expired, including the inability to obtain the password in time, the wrong password, or the ignorance of the lock.

Therefore, in order to help consumers save time, money, and energy and reach better deals, operators will not be allowed to sell locked phones from December 2021.

What’s interesting is that many UK operators currently only sell unlocked phones. In fact, only BT, EE, Vodafone, and Tesco still sell locked phones.

Therefore, these four operators need to end the practice of locking phones before the end of next year. At present, both EE and Vodafone have promised to adjust their models as required.

Via: theverge