UK O2 users now able to unlock iPhones

[Zoom7000]

UK O2 users now able to unlock iPhones

O2 confirmed today that from November 10 all O2 customers in the UK will be able to unlock their iPhone devices for use on other networks.

The unlock will be free for pay monthly customers at any time during their contracts but O2 will charge a one-off £15 fee for Pay & Go unlocking at the end of 12 months after purchase. O2 customers can complete an unlocking form and O2 will unlock the device within 14 days. O2 were quick to stress that existing pay monthly customers will need to honour the remainder of their contracts despite the ability to unlock.

Unlocking is a process that allows users to place a non-O2 sim card into the iPhone device. Last week UK provider Orange confirmed that they will be offering the iPhone 3G and 3Gs tomorrow. According to Orange, stores will open at 7am on November 10th for those interested in picking up an iPhone 3G or 3GS; the handset will also be available through Orange HMV concessions, Apple Retail Stores, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and other "selected high street partners".

In September, both Orange and Vodafone announced that they would be offering the iPhone to their customers. Vodafone have said the phone would be available on its network from 2010 but has yet to confirm pricing details.

Nice one O2! It'll be useful to have the unlock officially. I know people abroad have spent vast amounts of money for factory unlocked iPhones, so props to O2 for offering free unlocks!

[Edu-IT]

Great move! Just wondering who would be the best provider to move to, if I wanted to. T-Mobile?