Sprint to allow unlocking of phones, hopefully others to follow
October 30, 2007 – 7:57 amAccording to an article in the The International Herald Tribune, Sprint is going to allow unlocking of their phones as part of a settlement.
Why is this important? Because it may allows consumers to change carriers without having to buy a new phone. In this case, Verizon, Alltell and Sprint utilize a similar mobile technology that could eventually allow consumers to switch between the carriers with the same mobile device and number.
Obviously there are some operational issues that have to be worked out, but I think this is a move in the right direction. Hopefully this will lead to a change whereby consumers can select the device they want somewhat independent of the carrier and then select from a wider range of calling plans based on their needs.
Another item I hope to be discontinued is the requirement of 1-2 year agreements. Granted, this may require carriers to discontinue the subsidizing of mobile handsets and the prices may jump, but with the hassle to change carriers, I can’t imagine anyone is going to change every month anyway.
Sprint said it would share the unlocking code with all current and former subscribers once their phones were deactivated and their bills were paid. The settlement covers customers who bought a Sprint phone between Aug. 28, 1999, and July 16, 2007.
T-Mobile is facing a similar class-action lawsuit in California.
Users of the iPhone, which is locked to the AT&T network, filed two separate lawsuits last week against the carrier and Apple, claiming its use restrictions and a software upgrade that disables unlocked iPhones constituted unfair business practices.
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