Draft policy on unlocking of phones released
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has released the draft policy on the mandatory unlocking of mobile phones and devices after the completion of the required lock-in period.
The National Telecommunications Commission, which the DICT had earlier directed to issue the policy, will hold a public hearing on the draft memorandum circular on Friday.
Based on the document, public telecommunications entities (PTEs) are required to unlock mobile phones and devices upon request of customers or former customers in good standing after the fulfillment of the applicable postpaid service contract, device financing plan or pay- ment of an applicable early termination fee.
PTEs that lock devices are also required to clearly notify customers when their devices are already eligible for unlocking, or automatically unlock devices remotely without additional fee.
“Notice to prepaid customers may occur at point of sale, at the time of eligibility or through a clear and concise statement of the policy on the PTE’s website,” the draft memorandum circular read.
“Each PTE shall post on its website its clear, concise and readily accessible policy on mobile phone or device unlocking,” it added.
Mobile phones and devices given to subscribers free of charge or at a subsidized cost are often locked by PTEs to ensure that they can be used only on the networks of specific service providers.
Unlocking means that the software preventing the use of other networks would be disabled, allowing the owner to use another service provider for the device.
“Mobile phone and device users, after having complied with the terms and conditions of the subscription agreement within the agreed lock-in period and are the absolute owners of the mobile phones or devices, should have the option of changing between compatible wireless service providers, giving the consumer greater freedom and flexibility while increasing incentives for service providers to innovate,” the draft circular stated.