He wants all phones sold via postpaid and prepaid lines to be open line
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wants to ban the practice of locking phones to one particular network, and ensure all phones sold by any telco capable of being used on whatever network they desire.
“Every mobile user should have the right to switch to other service providers that offer better deals. Unfortunately, the locking of devices prejudices this right,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Network Freedom Act will ensure that the consumer’s right to choose the best service available on the market is protected,” he added.
The Network Freedom Act, or Senate Bill No. 1643 was filed in the senate last Jan. 9 that specifically forbids network locking on any phone sold by any telco in the Philippines.
The senator also filed Senate Bill No. 1636, or the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act, which allows customers to retain their number no matter which network they decide to use.
“The prohibition against phone locking will eliminate one of the everyday stumbling blocks to the effective implementation and realization of the desired impacts of mobile number portability instituted by the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act,” he said.
“The passage of these two bills would be a big win for mobile consumers because it would spark real competition within the telco sector and result in better service across-the-board,” he added.
