How do cell phone companies justify locking my phone?
Some companies claim that they have to do this because they subsidize new customers’ handsets and will otherwise lose money. However, you are paying for that subsidy through your monthly cell phone bill. If you switch carriers before your one- or two-year contract is up, you will still face the hefty early termination fees that cover the carrier’s up-front costs. When your contract expires, you should be able to take the phone from one cell phone company to another if they use the same technology. When your old company locks your phone, it is making it harder for you to choose a new provider. It’s the same power these companies had over you when you lost your phone number if you changed service.
