If you’ve ever held back on upgrading your phone because of the network lock-in, it’s time to celebrate: the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has released rules and regulations making the unlocking of mobile phones after a “lock-in” period mandatory.
This gives users more freedom now to switch telco service providers.
Memorandum Circular 01-05-2019, signed May 31, states that “public telecommunication entities (PTEs) are required to post on their websites ‘clear, concise, and readily accessible’ policy on the unlocking of mobile phones and devices,” the Inquirer reports.
The memorandum also states that PTEs shall unlock or provide the necessary information to unlock mobile phones or devices upon request, “after the fulfillment of the applicable postpaid service contract, device financing plan, or payment of an applicable termination fee.”
PTEs are also required to notify their customers about the eligibility of their devices for unlocking.
These new rules will take effect 15 days after its publication last Jun. 3.
You can read the full memorandum on Inquirer.
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