Mossberg howls: "Free my Phone" {Engadget Mobile}

Oct 22nd 2007 12:06PM In the UK, I'm sure I've seen adverts from ISP's offering free laptops when you sign up to a contract with them. So what's the difference?

Buy a full priced computer and be able to switch ISP's easily or a free or subsidised computer tied to a time based contract.

I'm sure you can use any phone on any network if the hardware is compatible and you have the right settings. An example is Orange UK who test mobile phones on their network thouroughly, yet I have used mobile phones not approved by them on their network and others. So yes the networks can dictate what they sell to the consumer, but you can still use a non sanctioned phone on their networks if you know the correct settings and it is hardware compatible.