Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

It's time for the networks to stop locking phones.

  • 24-02-2013 8:29pm
    #1
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭


    With some exceptions for very expensive smartphones, I think the mobile operators should stop locking phones to their networks. Previously the networks justified locking phones because of the subsidy they said they gave towards the cost. That might be true for very expensive smartphones, but theres many models that are available at the same, similar or cheaper prices from other sources. So the subsidy argument just doesn't stack up any more.


Comments

  • #2
    MagicMarker
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    Well if you're not getting a subsidy from the network then why not just buy the phone sim free online?


  • #3
    SparkySpitfire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,331 ✭✭✭SparkySpitfire


    MagicMarker wrote: »
    Well if you're not getting a subsidy from the network then why not just buy the phone sim free online?

    I dunno the OP's reason, but for me it's because I'm unfamiliar with the suppliers of these phones and can't tell if I'm being duped or not. It's the "security" that comes with buying from the networks that keeps me going back. Though I am now researching the purchase of an unbranded phone! (giant leap for me)

    Locked phones are extremely inconvenient, especially when you see the amount of results on a google search on how to unlock phones.


  • #4
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭Oracle


    MagicMarker wrote: »
    Well if you're not getting a subsidy from the network then why not just buy the phone sim free online?

    Yes that's what many people are doing. I see it as a consumer issue, the networks shouldn't be allowed to lock the devices they sell. Particularly when other retailers can sell the same device, at the same price, unlocked.


  • #5
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Dont see a problem with it. They have to run a shop for your convenience, if Amazon.de has it for the same price unbranded they have a lot more profit as they have a lot less costs to recoup. When you walk into the o2 store or what have you they'll help you with simple problems too. Etailers will do little of that.

    You have the choice to buy where you wish. And after 1 contract/€130 they will unlock it anyways, so up to you.

    Personally I've always bought in store for easy of warranty, but my next unit will probably be Amazon as I want unlocked bootloaders in future.


  • #6
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭Oracle


    Just like online retailers, the mobile networks operate stores to sell their services and products for profit. They have the advantage of making a profit on the phones they sell and on the network services the phones use. There's nothing wrong with that, its forcing customers to use only their network, by locking the phones they buy, that's wrong.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    GUIGuy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭GUIGuy


    Well I understand it for contract phones but for PAYG phones there's really little reason to buy from an operator when you can get it for the same price or cheaper online. Most of the techical problems won't be with the phone itself per se rather with the network, billing offers etc... and the operator still will provide support for that... because you are using their sim and paying them money for the service.


  • #8
    evolutionqy7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,277 ✭✭✭evolutionqy7


    If you have a look at a fairly recent phone on expansys. It will actually be either the same price or around 50 euro more. As said, if the problem is that it's the same price. Just get the aim free phone online?

    I don't think networks make that much profit, if any, on actual phones. It's the actual service that makes them the money.


  • #9
    stevenmu
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,689 Mod ✭✭✭✭stevenmu


    SparkySpitfire wrote: »
    I dunno the OP's reason, but for me it's because I'm unfamiliar with the suppliers of these phones and can't tell if I'm being duped or not. It's the "security" that comes with buying from the networks that keeps me going back. Though I am now researching the purchase of an unbranded phone! (giant leap for me)
    If you look through the forums for any of the operators here on boards (under Talk To..., there's always lots of complaints about phones not being sent, not arriving, not working when they arrive, being clearly used when they were sold as new, hassle trying to get problems fixed etc.. etc.. To be honest I'd trust some of the online retailers a lot more than any of the networks. The quality of online retailers does vary and it's important to research them before using, but the big ones are very trustworthy and have great customer service.

    edit: actually, thinking about it, I'm comparing the networks online shops to other online shops here, when I have used the network's physical stores (or places like Carphone Warehouse) they have been very good in fairness.


Advertisement