thx!
If this is the case then then it would be bad for the carriers (in the long term) to be proponents of this policy.
Currently, if I get a subsidized phone from a major US carrier, they are 1. financing the phone 2. providing the service.
My understanding is that this policy makes it (unlocking) illegal base on copyright act (according to the Federal register)... that is, the proponents say the carrier "owns" the phone, and the subscriber/leaser cannot change the software without the "owner's" permission.
Well Walmart (and others soon) are offering plans like StraightTalk where they offer 1. service only for $45 or 2. phone financing for an additional $25.
So Walmart separated the smartphone financing from the service provider. This opens the door for ANY financier (including Apple) to lease out unlocked phones, and the sub can buy "service only" from plan re-packagers like Walmart.
Wouldn't this diminish the grip that carriers have on bundling subsidies with their plans?
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