In Reply to: Unlocking Mobiles posted by GaryD on Monday, 11. April 2016 at 07:33 Bali Time:
prepaid phones Yes, providers will almost always charge an unlocking fee within the 1st 12 months, maybe even longer, but phones under a 12 month or 24 month contract I've never heard of or experienced a charge for unlocking. Unlocking whilst breaking the contract will attract a charge for sure, but that is an early cancellation charge, not an unlocking charge. Not sure the laws involved, but I'm inclined to think it's illegal to charge an unlocking fee for a contracted phone. Technically you own the phone, you are paying for it under finance. If the provider refuses, even after talking to a manager, I'de jump on the phone to the ombudsman.