By Emmie V. Abadilla

Wireless phone subscribers on handset plans will soon have more freedom and flexibility on their devices after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ordered the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to require telcos to unlock phones and devices after the lock-in period.

The pro-consumer policy came after the DICT issued Memorandum Order 004, Series of 2018 on December 14, 2018, giving telco subscribers the option of changing between compatible wireless service providers.

According to the memo, subscribers who have completed such lock-in periods and have no outstanding obligations on their subscription contracts can demand for the mandatory unlocking of their phones and devices on convenient sites provided by their telcos.

“This is an additional Christmas gift of this administration to the Filipino telco subscribers,” says DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr.

“While we empower the industry through the entry of the new major player, we are also pushing for pro-consumer measures.”

“This is also a step to encourage our service providers to innovate on their offers,” he added.

The DICT has directed the NTC to draft the Memorandum Circular for the memo’s rules and regulations, before the commission conducts consultations and hearings.