Freeeedom!!!!!!!! - Unlocked Cellphones Coming Soon!

[broken_legs]

THANK GOD!


SOMEONE FINALLY GETS IT!!!!!




http://www.theglobeandmail.com/repor...rticle1607337/

Iain Marlow Telecom Reporter

Globe and Mail Update Published on Thursday, Jun. 17,

Large wireless service providers in Canada should be forced to “unlock” subscribers’ cellphones if requested, says a bill being tabled by the NDP on Thursday, which could dent carriers’ profits and lead to subscribers moving more easily between cellphone companies.

If passed, the proposed “Cell Phone Freedom Act” would require wireless companies, such as Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B-T37.520.110.29%) or Telus Corp. (T-T39.300.020.05%), to tell customers that a phone is restricted to their own networks, and then remove the lock either when handsets are bought at full-cost without a contract or when a customers’ contract expires.

In an interview, NDP MP Bruce Hyer, who is bringing the bill forward, said empowering consumers to move more easily between companies would force wireless providers to compete more aggressively on price and services to lure consumers, benefiting consumers and making the industry more competitive.

“Network locks will become even more important as new competitors offer services consumers might want to try,” Mr. Hyer said. “Consumer choice, in the near term, is not always wanted by companies that have an oligopoly.”

[Thaco]

very nice, but it's NDP, every other party hates them, so chances are this will go nowhere.

[JRSC00LUDE]

In other news, history books across the country are re-written as the NDP prepares to table it first potentially sensible bill in the history of Federal politics.

[Tik-Tok]

I don't think this needs to be legislated though. With the iPhone becoming available unlocked, it will encourage other companies to do the same.

[Cos]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok
I don't think this needs to be legislated though. With the iPhone becoming available unlocked, it will encourage other companies to do the same.

I see why they think it may need to be legistlated. We are purchasing a phone on a payment plan really, you buy it for 100 down and over 3 years pay it back. At the end of the time the cell phone company is still restricting what you can do with a product you legally purchased.

[Thaco]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok
I don't think this needs to be legislated though. With the iPhone becoming available unlocked, it will encourage other companies to do the same.

i highly doubt that will make a difference (if it even happens)

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by Thaco
i highly doubt that will make a difference (if it even happens)

Then they'll be sued for false advertising.

Off their own site

Your new iPhone. Direct from Apple and ready to use.

When you purchase your iPhone from the Apple Online Store, you’ll get it commitment-free. So you can sign up for service with the carrier of your choice and change your carrier at any time. Questions? Call our iPhone experts at 1-800-MY-APPLE.
Reduced pricing is also available.

iPhone may also be available at a reduced initial price with a contract directly from your wireless carrier.

Find out where to buy

[Cos]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


Then they'll be sued for false advertising.

Off their own site

he meant encourage company's to do the same. iPhones will be unlocked. It is no different then how the Nexus being sold unlocked has really forced the other company's to do it. Sheeple still buy on contract.

[D'z Nutz]

That's a pretty misleading title. A proposal doesn't mean change is coming.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by Cos


he meant encourage company's to do the same. iPhones will be unlocked. It is no different then how the Nexus being sold unlocked has really forced the other company's to do it. Sheeple still buy on contract.

It's still a possibility. Nexus unlocked lead to iPhone unlocked. Even if the legislation is passed, people will still buy on contract because it's cheaper up-front cost. By the time their 2-3 year contract is up, they won't give a shit about the phone being unlocked, because they'll want a new one with all the new gadgets anyways.

How many people do you know with a phone > 3 years old?

[BrknFngrs]

Whoa, Apple confirmed their intention to sell the iPhone4 unlocked in all markets? Was this announced during the last conference??

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by BrknFngrs
Whoa, Apple confirmed their intention to sell the iPhone4 unlocked in all markets? Was this announced during the last conference??

Yesterday. I was looking into buying a used 3gs to unlock, and then they announced it and was posted minutes into my iphone research

[spikerS]

you can unlock your phone at any time, but phone unlocking is not a service that the cell companies provide. That is like asking your waiter at the keg to go and do an oil change on your car while you are eating.

this bill makes no sense.

[Cos]

Originally posted by spikers
you can unlock your phone at any time, but phone unlocking is not a service that the cell companies provide. That is like asking your waiter at the keg to go and do an oil change on your car while you are eating.

this bill makes no sense.

Horrible analogy......


It would be like asking the waiter to package up the food you decided not to eat and him telling you that you cant leave the restaurant with the food.

[Thaco]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


Then they'll be sued for false advertising.

Off their own site

who is going to pay $800 from apple, nobody, they will 99% be subsidized through the phone provider, and i can assure you they will not be unlocked if they pass through the carrier.

[Zewind]

I wouldnt mind this

[BrknFngrs]

I didn't see unlocked phones directly from Apple coming at all. Though I'm wondering if rogers/bell/telus will find some way to hose people if they go that route since you would still need a micro sim from them.

[Modelexis]

Originally posted by Cos


Horrible analogy......


It would be like asking the waiter to package up the food you decided not to eat and him telling you that you cant leave the restaurant with the food.

Or maybe it's buying a honda and taking it back to the dealership after warranty is over to have the ecu chipped to work with hondata.

haha.

[lint]

Originally posted by Thaco
who is going to pay $800 from apple, nobody, they will 99% be subsidized through the phone provider, and i can assure you they will not be unlocked if they pass through the carrier.

Just because you're cheap doesn't mean EVERYONE is. And not everyone is interested in signing a 3 yr contract.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by Thaco


who is going to pay $800 from apple, nobody, they will 99% be subsidized through the phone provider, and i can assure you they will not be unlocked if they pass through the carrier.

Price predictions are
16GB iPhone 4: $649 CDN
32GB iPhone 4: $749 CDN
(from the same site that accurately predicted ipad pricing)

Current used unlocked 3gs phones are going between $450-550. So $650 for a brand new 4 isn't bad.

Unlocked phones are also great for frequent travelers, as they can just grab a sim card in any country their in.