All cellphones in Chile must be sold unlocked

Though this doesn’t specifically refer to href=”http://code.google.com/android/” rel=”homepage” target=”_blank” title=”Android”>Android, it undoubtedly applies to every cellphone in Chile. Active immediately Monday, January 16th, all phones sold within the country must be unlocked to use on any mobile phone company. The announcement was made by the Department of Telecommunicaitons of Chile, Subtel today.

The essential reason for this change, is supposed to help make a person’s number extremely portable – for free. This is the single reason many of us choose to use href=”http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html” rel=”homepage” target=”_blank” title=”Google Voice”>Google Voice; because you control a number, and can retain it from one device to another. Subtel also states that any locked cellphone purchased prior to January 16th can be unlocked free of charge.
The unlock method is very quick, and only takes a few steps. Each cellphone provider will post a webpage where one enters their IMEI, device model/name, and other data. Soon after, the website releases the device from the carrier. Why can’t this be a global initiative?
[via Wayerless]