UK is banning network-locked phones — what you need to know

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UK is banning network-locked phones — what yous need to know

(Image credit: EE)

Over the by couple of years the U.K. has been slowly trying to make it easier to swap utility providers, be it broadband, electricity, gas, phones, or something else entirely. Now another step is being taken.

Ofcom, the communications regulator, has announced U.K. networks will be banned from selling network-locked handsets from next year. All to make it easier for people to switch providers.

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This rule is set to take event from December 2021, so at that place's going to be a little while to wait before y'all tin freely swap networks without worrying most where you lot got the telephone from. Of course the rule isn't going to affect as many people as you might think, since a lot of networks already sell unlocked handsets.

EE/BT, Tesco Mobile, and Vodafone are the only major networks that still practise. It'southward possible to have those phones unlocked, but Ofcom found a big number of customers are put off by this fact. Specially when you have to pay money and look for the unlock procedure to take place. That'southward assuming information technology works, which it often doesn't according to Ofcom.

How much it costs depends on what kind of phone you have, which network information technology'south locked to, and how old it is. It costs up to £10 and tin can have up to 10 days. The lack of simplicity in the terms of what can and tin can't be washed definitely isn't making it easier for people to take the plunge and exit for another network.

These rules mean the U.K. will remain compliant with similar European union rules, though the BBC reported that Ofcom was already investigating the issue before those regulations were introduced in 2018. The regulator has also confirmed it will be introducing new rules that brand it easier to switch broadband providers from Dec 2022.

At present, or at least from December next year, that won't be an issue, considering swapping networks will be as simple as swapping the SIM card.

Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electrical cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'southward long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo Uk, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego fix onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he actually needs online.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/uk-is-banning-network-locked-phones-what-you-need-to-know

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