Hello Everyone,

I'm trying to figure out what mobile provider's view is on unlocking? Do they typically support it or don't support it? If they don't, why not?

Other then the obvious, that the device is restricted to their networks.

Thanks!

-lieb39

Seem the majority of GSM carriers Rogers, TMo, Cingular could care less where you got you phone, locked or unlocked. Don't expect them to warranty the device or possible support it... They're game with getting the monthly subscription.

The CDMA carrier are different ball of wax. of late Verizon, Bell, Telus to name a few have made the move not to allow any foriegn ESN or IMEI no's. on they're networks. I guess they figure they subsidize the hardware and you get to choose from what the have.

That's precisely the point. It helps them enforce their contracts since they subsidize the phones. There are no consumer benefits to locked devices that I'm aware of.

There's no universal stance on unlocking among the carriers. Each has different policies.

So, when it comes to unlocking their own devices, such as a Blackberry, how will they handle it typically, or is that different per-carrier?

Cheers,

lieb39

Per carrier.
They each have their own rules - sometimes enforced inconsistently.

Okay. Thanks everyone!

-lieb39

A lot of it has to do with their price point too. If you get a BB at full price but a very small plan for say a year it's a lot easier for them to give up. If you buy it from them dirty cheap under a three year plan and then ditch the plan two weeks later so you can have it unlocked to move to a different service then they might complain.