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Chilean government: All phones must be unlocked

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 05 Jan 2012 1:17 User comments (8)

Chilean government: All phones must be unlocked Government regulators in Chile have mandated that all phones sold in the country must be unlocked.
Having an unlocked phone means the device can be used on any GSM carrier and not be locked down. The rule is now in effect but will become mandatory on January 16th.

Even if you purchased your phone before the new law, the government will make available a new website to help you unlock your device. Add your device info and IMEI number and the site will send you an unlock code.

Chile is now the third country to have such a law. Singapore and Israel have both banned locked handsets.

Hopefully this will be a trend that catches on around the world.

Tags: Phones Unlocked Chile
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8 user comments

15.1.2012 14:13
LordRuss
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Senior Member

Oh my... Do I feel a presence in the force of democracy/freedom not sensed since...

What the hell is that...? Take back the what...?

25.1.2012 15:27
Hyasuma
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that's a big hint for you USA

35.1.2012 16:44
nbfreak2
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Would be nice if it spreads to the US.

45.1.2012 17:32
Mysttic
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It'd be nice if this spread through all of North America, not just US. Funny how 3rd world country governments appear to listen to their people more than 1st world countries. They edge closer to democracy while we get preached it but lean towards a more dictated censorship.

55.1.2012 20:42
3MUK
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Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free.

613.1.2012 08:48
salsa36
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Chile! Chile!

715.1.2012 02:58
Dr_Shifty
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Originally posted by 3MUK:
 Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free.
Not all for free, I'm afraid. The carriers have an unlock fee that varies between carrier and sometimes decreases with the age of the phone. Some will unlock if you load a prepaid phone with the amount of the fee. Some will unlock for free under certain circumstances. For instance, Telstra unlocks iPhones for free on request but not all brands.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 15 Jan 2012 @ 2:58

815.1.2012 11:09
xboxdvl2
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Originally posted by 3MUK:
 Well in Australia, all phones that are locked to are specific network can be unlocked at your request for free.
i live in australia and i had a phone which i was told by optus could be unlocked for free after 3months.i took the phone back 3months later and asked that it be unlocked they said they'd have to send it away and there would be a postage and handling fee,also an insurance fee incase anything happened to the phone but the unlocking itself is free.the fees all up were about $70,3 streets away is a phone repair shop that will unlock any phone for $50.

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