Locked or unlocked mobiles

[bigmac]

It would be good to see peoples views on phone unlocking. How many people have bought a PAYG or locked phone and paid to have it unlocked to all networks.

for example lebara sales people say you need an unlocked phones to use a sim card to make those cheap international calls.

How many people would buy a locked phone and unlock it and how many people would buy unlocked. I know i would pay for a locked one and then get it unlocked just as its cheaper..Discuss

[mobilezilla]

unlocking is a straightforward process. Normally it cost £5 in UK.

The unlocking service is mainly utilized by those people who already have a phone and they are on a network e.g. on Orange pay as you go. Then they see a service e.g. Lebara which they consider to be cheaper to make international calls - Now they have to unlock their phone.


Unlocking is a perfecly legal activity in UK .. see following from Lebara website

Use your old phone

You can use Lebara Mobile with your existing mobile phone handset - you don’t need to buy a new one.

If your mobile phone screen shows any of the following when you first put your Lebara Mobile SIM in your phone: 'blocked', 'barred', 'incorrect SIM' or 'SP lock', your mobile may be locked to another network.

There are a number of ways to unlock your phone - just call our customer services team on 0870 075 5588 for expert advice.

For more information please visit

General Information
Ofcom (Independent telecom regulator Authority)
Metropolitan Police - 'Unlocking' is a legal activity

Unlocking websites
What is Unlocking

[wah007]

I always get a sim free phone. Only because I dont like the network logos on the phone cover. If it wasnt that I would defo get payg and get it unlocked.

[bigmac]

Its a shame all networks just dont sell unlocked phones. They go to the hassle to get the locked to their network and after they get unlocked.

Do Lebara actually supply sim free phones?

[wah007]

I think lebara dont do phones. only sims.

[bigmac]

They could probably double the business by offering a phone their sims. Im sure people would pay to buy from them.

Does anyone know the difference between phone breaking and unlocking of a phone?

[mobilezilla]

Originally Posted by wah007

I think lebara dont do phones. only sims.

Hi Lebara does sell mobile phones but for some reason not marketed as rest of the offers.

see here

Handsets - Lebara Mobile

[bigmac]

what a shame they should at least make some noise about it sure people would take up the offer or at least enquire