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Are Vodafone contract mobiles unlocked by default?

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m5rcc
m5rcc Posts: 1,544 Forumite
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Are Vodafone contract mobiles unlocked by default?

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  • pepdavies
    pepdavies Posts: 444 Forumite
    Not usually
  • Hezzawithkids
    Hezzawithkids Posts: 3,018 Forumite
    Why would you think that?
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  • m5rcc
    m5rcc Posts: 1,544 Forumite
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    Why would you think that?

    They certainly used to be, I'm just asking whether they still are...
  • vikingaero
    vikingaero Posts: 10,920 Forumite
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    Most of them are, except the control freako iPhones for which you need to request an unlock code and connect it to control freako iTunes.
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  • m5rcc
    m5rcc Posts: 1,544 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    vikingaero wrote: »
    Most of them are, except the control freako iPhones for which you need to request an unlock code and connect it to control freako iTunes.

    Judging from what I read and was told, I believe this to be correct too
  • gjchester
    gjchester Posts: 5,741 Forumite
    m5rcc wrote: »
    Judging from what I read and was told, I believe this to be correct too


    It's more complex that that.

    Generally PAYG are locked and Contract not, however many smart phones may be locked or may not. Certainly IPhones and where the phone its network branded in anyway then the chances are it will be locked.

    It also depends where you get it, if you go in to a non network shop (CPW/P4U) and buy a phone that's a network exclusive (be it model or colour) then the phone will likely be locked, where is across a few networks then it *MAY* be unlocked, the shops buy unlocked stock so they can use it with any contract, however it also depends on the prices, if the network is offering stock cheaper they'll take that.

    From the stores point of view if I want a HTC ABC if the shops hold network branded stock they have to hold at least 4 or 5 of each networks phone per network in store. If they hold unlocked stock they only need to hold maybe 10 of each phone so keeping inventory stocks down.

    If a network (lets say Voda) offer a special price on the network stock ie half the price of unbranded stock then the phone shops will buy that and use it for that network customers. Remember they are buying in the thousands and saving a few pounds adds up. I that case if you buy that phone on Voda it will be unlocked but may be unlocked on another network.

    Sorry that's not a clear answer but the fact is there isn't really any clear cut yes or no.
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