We dig Nokia: Handset maker to release unlocked phones

It’s one of the biggest pains in the wireless telecommunications industry, and it goes doubly for prepaid users: most phones are locked in to a certain provider. We say doubly for prepaid, because you’re more apt to switch providers. Say you buy a phone and plan from Provider A, but find their service lacking. So you look around and decide that Provider B will better fit your needs. That’s all fine and good, but you’re now stuck with a phone you can’t use anymore — and have to buy a new one for the new provider. That just ain’t right.

Nokia understands your pain…kind of. They plan to release their E-series (business) and N-series (multimedia) smart phones independently. By doing this, they’re keeping the phones from being locked in to a specific provider, which they think will help their standing as the No. 4 handset manufacturer in the US (they are No. 1 globally).

So the E61i, E65, and the mini-laptop E90 (coming in the third quarter) will be available instead through “Nokia for Business” sales directly to medium-to-large enterprises; through partners like Cisco, Avaya, and Alcatel as part of business VoIP PBX solutions; and through independent retailers like Dell, Gateway, and MobilePlanet.com for smaller businesses and individuals.

That’s what we like, too: the phones are WiFi ready, which allows them to be used for VoIP calls. They’re also compatible with Microsoft Exchange, BlackBerry Connect, Good Mobile Messaging, and Intellisync (Nokia’s system).

There are just a few drawbacks. First, they’re all GSM-based phones, so you’re limited to T-Mobile or AT&T (or an MVNO thereof). Second, they’re going to be costly — you’re looking about $400, or $1,000 for the E90 mini laptop.

Still, it’s a nice alternative to the norm of providers locking their phones.

[PC Magazine]

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