Regulator Ofcom says all phones must be sold unlocked from 2021
Mobile operators in the UK will be banned from selling locked handsets from December 2021, making it easier than ever to switch network and find a better deal. Although consumers have a legal right to have their phone unlocked, it can be an inconvenient process. If an unlock code is delayed or doesn’t work, then there is a potential loss of service, while some people might be completely unaware their device is locked at all. Several providers, including O2, Sky, Three and Virgin Media, already offer unlocked handsets as standard. However, others, such as EE, Vodafone, and Tesco Mobile, require customers to pay a fee to unlock their mobile phone.
