An nameless reader writes "As from today, network operators in Chile are no longer allowed to sell carrier-locked phones, and must unlock free of charge all devices already sold to costumers through a simple form on their respective websites. The new order came into effect in preparations for the rollout of Mobile Number Portability, set to begin on January 16th. This is one among other restrictions that forbid carriers to lock in the management through 'abusive clauses' in their contracts, one of which was through selling locked devices. Now if a buyer wishes to change carriers he/she needs only to have the bills up to date and the process of porting the number should only take 24 hours."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

More: - The rest...