End of a 3 contract

4$£&*(£$&*(!

Because I got a good deal, but surely we should all challenge something if it prevents competition? £15 isn't extortionate by any means I agree, but I've referred to it already about bank charges - people still signed up to those banks terms, that doesn't automatically make it right.

espresso

CitySlicker wrote:

Because I got a good deal, but surely we should all challenge something if it prevents competition? £15 isn't extortionate by any means I agree, but I've referred to it already about bank charges - people still signed up to those banks terms, that doesn't automatically make it right.

I don't see how this "prevents competition". You chose that deal as it offered good value to you and your needs when you agreed to the contract. The handset is heavily subsidised by the network operator and it seems reasonable that they should lock it while you are bound by their contract for the duration. The handset does not form part of the contract and you could have sold it if you had wanted to, although it would have still been locked. At least they will provide the unlock code for a reasonable fee during month 12.

4$£&*(£$&*(!

This is my point though, I can understand and agree it is reasonable for them to bind me to a contract as the phone is subsidised. However I can't see how you're defending the networks as this is an additional cost for them just to make money, it doesn't cost them £15 to give you a code, and they've recouped the subsidy from my contract. It prevents competition as some people would rather just not have the hassle of unlocking a phone, so they can't be bothered to change.

As mentioned, many countries don't operate this policy, so why is it fair it is allowed in the UK? I really can't see why you're defending an unlocking fee here when I'm paying my subsidy through my monthly contract.

diamonds

nope there is no guidance on unlock fee costs by the regulator, just after the initail contract expires they can not refuse the unlock, thankfully self regulation on the cost by the UK networks works in this senario - they all charge 15 quid as a standard admin cost to get you a " code ", thats why they send it via mail " admin "