Sprint To Make All Mobile Devices Unlockable Beginning Next Year

Starting next year, Sprint will make all of its devices unlockable for use on other domestic networks. The move was first announced on the company’s unlocking FAQ page. According to the company:

For eligible devices, Sprint will unlock the SIM slot, to the extent that a device SIM slot is capable of being unlocked. It is important to note that not all devices are capable of being unlocked, often because of the manufacturers' device designs, and that even for those devices capable of being unlocked, not all device functionality may be capable of being unlocked. Specifically, devices manufactured with a SIM slot within the past three years (including, but not limited to, all Apple iPhone devices), cannot be unlocked to accept a different domestic carrier's SIM for use on another domestic carrier's network. Sprint has no technological process available to do this. In accordance with Sprint's voluntary commitment contained within CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service (“Unlocking Commitment”), Sprint is working to ensure that all devices developed and launched on or after February 11, 2015 are capable of being unlocked domestically.

Back in December, the four largest carriers in the U.S. announced an agreement on a set of six voluntary principals dealing with unlocking consumer phones and tablets. One of those principals said “Carriers, upon request, will unlock prepaid mobile wireless devices no later than one year after initial activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment or usage requirements.” With this news, Sprint becomes the first carrier to announce when it will begin unlocking all phones and tablets. Via: Android Police

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