Mobile phone users demand Globe Telecom, Smart Communications to unlock devices

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has released guidelines in compliance with a directive of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to allow subscribers to switch to compatible wireless service providers.

This, after many subscribers complained that Globe Telecom and Smart Communications have prevented them from unlocking their cell phones and devices even after the expiration of the lockin period.

“Under the draft MC (memorandum circular), public telecommunications entities will be required to disclose its policy on mobile phone and device unlocking and notify their customers if such devices are eligible for unlocking,” the NTC said.

The “lock-in period” is the length of time under contract within which a subscriber cannot switch to a different service provider from the one that supplied the phone, because the device has been “locked” or unable to accept a SIM card from a competing telco, it was explained.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said that the mandatory unlocking of mobile phones will encourage telcos to be innovative on services they offer to consumers.

“Subscribers who have completed such lock-in periods and have no outstanding obligations on their subscription contracts can demand to mandatorily unlock their phones and devices on convenient sites, facilities and processes that will be provided by their respective wireless service providers,” Rio said through DICT Memorandum Order No. 004 which was issued last December.

The order mandates the NTC to draft the appropriate rules and regulations, as well as to conduct public consultations and hearings. (Aerol John Pateña)