Orange phone unlock cost

ram123

Hi

I just been told I cant unlock my new orange phone for first 3 months and after that I have to pay £20 for the unlock code.

I thought if i were half way through the contract (say 9 months in 18 month contract) i could be eligible to get the unlock code for free.

Am i completely wrong?

Jon_01

Don't think Orange ever give the codes for free (I'm sure they get charged from the manufactures).

My lad was out of contract last year and was charged £15 for the code for his N85.

macman

Just get it done by an independent phone shop.

ram123

Thanks I shall try nearby shops.

jhe

i am having to pay orange £20 at the end of my contract, took my phone to several local phone shops, they either couldnt unlock it or the one that could wanted £25!, its a nokia 6600 slide.orange told me they dont send the unlock code for free even after the contract expires.

ram123

I cant see why the mobile operators lock the phone at first place (with load of rubbish things) and require a fee to get the code from manufacturer and pass it to us. I don't see what they are trying to achieve by doing this?

boliston

ram123 wrote: »

I cant see why the mobile operators lock the phone at first place (with load of rubbish things) and require a fee to get the code from manufacturer and pass it to us. I don't see what they are trying to achieve by doing this?

It's really a scam because if the phone is on contract they still have to pay even if they put in a sim from another network.

It should be outlawed (as it is in many countries), as it's simply a way to extort extra profit.

macman

ram123 wrote: »

I cant see why the mobile operators lock the phone at first place (with load of rubbish things) and require a fee to get the code from manufacturer and pass it to us. I don't see what they are trying to achieve by doing this?

To prevent you leaving their network with a handset they have often heavily subsidised...

boliston

macman wrote: »

To prevent you leaving their network with a handset they have often heavily subsidised...

You cannot "leave" till the contract has ended unless you "buy" your way out, so their money is guaranteed.

custardy

boliston wrote: »

You cannot "leave" till the contract has ended unless you "buy" your way out, so their money is guaranteed.

you are not forced to buy your phone from the network
you do so to get a subsidised handset at a lower price
buy sim free if it bothers you so much
or buy from a retailer that provides sim free handsets for upgrade customers,like i did