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T-Mobile, AT&T oppose unlocking rule, claim locked phones are good for users

(arstechnica.com)
197 points LorenDB | 1 comments | 21 Oct 24 20:31 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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tptacek ◴[21 Oct 24 21:11 UTC] No.41908565[source]▶
This is a good way for Ars to generate clicks and a more honest headline probably wouldn't move the needle much, but it's worth being clear for HN that the objection here is not that locked phones are good for consumers, but that the subsidization deals locked phones enable are.
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marinmania ◴[21 Oct 24 21:49 UTC] No.41908875[source]▶
I don't think that is a more accurate headline.

The potential regulation is about the government making phones unlock automatically after two months of purchase. The regulation isn't about banning discounts or sales.

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crazygringo ◴[21 Oct 24 21:55 UTC] No.41908932[source]▶
If unlocking is made mandatory, the phone subsidies will end. People will be forced to pay full price up front, or else effectively pay more as interest (even if that interest is effectively "hidden" in the overall increased price). So yes, this regulation is exactly about that.
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1. ryukoposting ◴[21 Oct 24 22:39 UTC] No.41909317[source]▶
...alternatively, the cell companies will just sell unlocked phones with the subsidies, since you're still locked into the same 1-or-2-year contract that was paying for the locked phones. This won't stop them from making those precious fractions of a cent from bundled shitware. They'll still make their money.