FCC wants all phones unlocked in sixty days, AT&T and T-Mobile aren't so keen

[miles]

https://www.androidauthority.com/fcc-60-day-unlock-tmo-3483642/

[jalk]

Can't the operators just sell unlocked phones with monthly installments instead? The installment plan will then include free service for some amount of data/minutes. If the user chooses to switch operator, they are still bound by the installment contract to pay off the phone.

[486sx33 → jalk]

Yes, but let’s just say you got a 1200 device and only made the first two payments… jump to another carrier and abandon the one with the finance plan. What’s the recourse for the carrier?

[ssl-3 → 486sx33]

Small claims court? Inability for the debtor to get a loan for even another phone (or a used car or whatever) for a period of time?

It's messy and expensive, but perhaps it should be messy and expensive.

[lotsofpulp → 486sx33]

The same recourse any other lender has for a borrower that defaults.