Locked phones banned

Mobile phone firms are to be stopped from selling handsets that are locked into their networks, to make it easier for people to switch providers.

Telecoms watchdog Ofcom has ruled that from December next year BT and its mobile arm EE, Tesco Mobile and Vodafone will no longer be able to sell mobiles that connect only to their own networks.

Some other UK mobile phone operators already allow customers to switch networks and keep their existing handset.

Ofcom said while consumers were able to get their mobile phones unlocked, it was inconvenient and could cost about £10.

The regulator found that more than a third of people who decided against switching did so because they were deterred by the process.

Ofcom said: “We know that lots of people can be put off from switching because their handset is locked. So, we are banning mobile companies from selling locked phones, which will save people time, money and effort – and help them unlock better deals.”

Ofcom said it expected widespread compliance with the new rules and companies breaking them risked heavy fines.

Vodafone UK and EE said they would implement the changes when they come into force.

Richard Neudegg, of comparison website Uswitch.com, said the announcement would “finally rid the industry of this anachronistic practice”.

He added: “Customers will be able to buy the phone and package they want, with whatever network, safe in the knowledge that if they later choose to switch to another network, they can do so easily and base the decision purely on what’s right for them.”