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AT&T sort of modernizes iPhone locking policy



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This new policy change from AT&T is a step in the right direction, but it's still years behind Europe and it doesn't go nearly as far. As I mentioned earlier this week, I got around to changing carriers last week and unlocked my iPhone quickly, easily and legally using iTunes. By law mobile providers have to allow you to unlock your phone after three months over here.

Why should you have to stick with a locked phone when you are already locked into the agreement? AT&T or whoever will have you anyway so it's excessive to keep the phone locked. For Americans who travel abroad for work, a locked phone means insanely expensive calls and data charges rather than being able to pop in a new chip from a local provider. Those charges are never good as anyone who travels will confirm.

What's most upsetting about this ancient policy is that AT&T has been able to get away with this for so long. The changes in Europe date back to at least 2009, maybe even before. Allowing more than one mobile provider to sell the iPhone has also been around for years before the US finally allowed it. Funny how the US continues to be so weak when it comes to non-competitive policies that hurt consumers. How is it that in the US, big business is able to get away with this for so long?

Of course, let's not forget about Apple, the ultimate control-freak company. Anyone who thinks Apple isn't calling the shots with mobile providers is kidding themselves. If Apple gave an ounce of care about their slobbering customers, they could have pushed this issue ages ago. But they don't so they didn't.


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