It’s official that as of December 2021 phone providers will no longer be allowed to sell phones that are locked to their services. This is one of the many new measures that phone providers will have to follow. Here’s all you need to know:

Locked phones:

If you have a phone with networks such as EE and BT then the likelihood is that phone is locked to them. This means you cannot put another sim card from a different provider in your phone. The argument for locking phones according to some networks is that locking the phone can help prevent data theft and fraud. However it costs money to get your phone unlocked (around £10) and the process can be difficult or not work.

According to a study done by Ofcom around half of the people that try to get there phones unlocked have issues while doing so. Things like the code used to unlock the phone taking days to come or the code not working when it does come.

With these studies completed Ofcom have set in place that no more locked phones will be sold as of december 2021, meaning you will be able to put any sim card in your phone.

“It will save people time, money and effort – and help them unlock better deals,”

Ofcom’s connectivity director Selina Chadha.

Easier communication:

Network providers will now also have to provide easier ways for people to communicate if they struggle from certain difficulties. Things like having braille for deaf people. They will only have to provide it when it’s requested but must have it ready for december 2021.

Changing or leaving plans:

As of June 2022 network providers must have updated their leaving or changing policies for peoples contracts to provide them with a stronger right to make those choices. This means it will be a lot easier for you to change or leave your contract if the network makes changes that you were not informed about before signing your contract.

Contracts:

Finally, networks must make sure that they show you clear summaries of your contract and make clear any key parts known to you before allowing you to sign. This is for your protection and their own so that there is little risk of confusion or breaking of the contract. This will come into effect in June 2022.


All these changes have been created to make your experience with any network easier, more straightforward and less stressful for all parties involved. If you have any questions about this new rules give us a call 0808 123 2820.