Unlocked Phones, The best approach?
There are many reasons for choosing an unlocked phone in the UK, it offers users the choice of network that they wish to use.
Many people purchase a Pay as you go device which are subsidised by the networks over a truly “SIM FREE” which do not offer any form of discounting.
It has been seen in the past that the network operator “3″ have physically glued their SIM cards into their phones in an attempt to curb the number of users taking advantage of their pricing structures for the PAYG devices.
But the option to have an unlocked phone extends further than cost and carrier availability. Some networks heavily brand the UI’s and in some cases limit the functionality of the device. The most recent example of this is Orange and Vodafone blocking the WiFi capabilities of some HTC OEM devices, and also blocking the usage of VoIP through their network, and removing the supporting software from the device (Nokia N95).
But to support the operators decision for this practice, it does allow the operator full control of how the UI can be extended to all devices allowing a “familiar experience” across the range. It also allows the operator to guard against malicious software, and network hacks. Not to everyones taste, granted.
I feel that the approach to locked devices in the future should be made at two different levels, a device that has been fully tested by the carrier and contains their branding, and limitations, and one at a higher cost that does not come with the same guarentees, but does not limit the user to the operators desired functionality.
I look forward to your opinions on this provocative issue.
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