EE, BT, Vodafone and Tesco Mobile users could soon see a dramatic change to their smartphone plans and it may be implemented as soon as 2020. The update looks set to arrive in the form of a ban on selling devices that are locked to a unique network.
Some mobile firms currently block new devices from using a rival service which means customers can’t switch to another provider or use a different SIM card whilst tied to their contracts.
Telecoms regulator Ofcom doesn’t like this practice as it says it is putting people off making the change to a different network which could possibly help to save them money.
Although firms such as EE don’t charge to unlock devices once the initial contract not everyone is so lucky to get this service for free.
Ofcom states that some customers face a £10 bill to make their phone fully compatible with all networks and research has found that more than a third of people who decided against switching said this put them off.
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According to this survey, nearly half of customers who try to unlock their device find it difficult. For example, they may experience a long delay before getting the code they need to unlock their device; they might be given a code that does not work; or they could suffer a loss of service if they did not realise their device was locked before they tried to switch.
Ofcom says that it is now proposing to ban mobile companies from selling locked phones, allowing people to move to a different network with their existing handset, hassle-free.
This follows major reforms, introduced in July, that mean mobile customers can now switch operator by simply sending a free text message.
Speaking about the decision Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Consumer Group Director, said: “Switching mobile provider can be really frustrating.
“By freeing mobile users from locked handsets, our plans would save people time, effort and money – and help them unlock a better deal.”
In response to Ofcom’s proposals, an EE spokesperson said: “We lock new smartphones to protect our customers and make it harder for criminals to commit fraud.
“We don’t charge our customers to unlock their phones at the end of contracts and automatically unlock wherever possible.
“We’re already working to make it easier for customers to unlock their devices and switch providers, and we’re working closely with Ofcom through this consultation to improve the experience for our customers while protecting against fraud.”
O2, Sky, Three and Virgin all currently choose to sell unlocked devices to their customers.