iPad mini Are UK contract iPad minis unlocked?

[dopeytree]

I have an iPad mini from three on contract just wondering if it is unlocked?
It is brand new never been unwrapped from plastic so not activated etc.

How do I tell without swapping in another SIM card?

 

[j_maddison]

It will be locked to the network.

Unless the device is subsidised well, or it offers a better payment option for you as opposed to paying upfront, then I'd always buy from Apple or a third party as opposed to directly from the network. They might unlock it for a free

 

[Gav2k]

Unlocked.

I say this as several people at work took advantage of 'deals' 3 orange and tmobile and there all unlocked.

 

[j_maddison]

Unlocked.

I say this as several people at work took advantage of 'deals' 3 orange and tmobile and there all unlocked.

Well I'm amazed! When my friend had his for his wife from 3 it was locked.

 

[Gav2k]

Well I'm amazed! When my friend had his for his wife from 3 it was locked.

May be hit and miss

 

[j_maddison]

May be hit and miss

Or a customer complaints issue, usually the networks don't do something unless they have to

Then again, if you're tied into a 24 month deal, they'd be getting their money regardless, so perhaps they've just stopped locking them

 

[J400uk]

Bought one which is supposedly locked to EE, what's the process to unlock please if anyone knows?

 

[awair]

Typically the iPad is not locked, regardless of purchase method. That doesn't mean to say it's not possible.

My suggestion as to why the carriers would not bother is due to the revenue stream.

If I buy a phone, the number I use is important, so remaining available overseas on the same number generates additional (premium) revenue. Conversely, the number assigned to the iPad is irrelevant, but I'm not going to make or receive calls.

If I change the SIM in my phone, the carrier 'loses' money. On a tablet, I, and I suspect many, will not pay for data roaming. So locking is not such a priority.

Two contradictiory arguments but both support the general practise of not locking the iPad.

 

[J400uk]

Yep seemed it wasn't locked in the end, worked fine with the O2-UK SIM I just tried so obviously not restricted to EE

Wonder why it was sold as been locked