Hi,
Not to sound rude, but don't think I missed understood:-
Quote
Unlock your phone
Your phone can only be used on the EE network. If you'd like to use a SIM from another network, complete our online form.
Fill in the form >
Unquote
However, another person said it was usual boiler plate description. So I have tried an O2 sim in the phone and can confirm that the phone is still unlocked. So the EE website is misleading with their definitive statement and possibly looking for people to pay the £8.99 to unlock a phone which is already unlocked.