Locking Handsets to Networks Could Be Banned in Canada

Canadian politician Bruce Hyer has tabled a law in the Canadian Parliament that would make it illegal to lock mobile phones to a specific network for phones sold outside of contract, and would force networks to unlock subsidized phones once they are out of contract. "Mobile phone customers should have the freedom to choose whether they want to be locked into a company's cell network or not." Hyer said. "Right now, most consumers don't even know they can't switch to another network without throwing out their phone and buying a new one, or trying to unlock their handset at some expensive aftermarket shop. Many resort to trying to download complicated instructions off the Internet, but these can result in dead phones if used improperly."