Last week we were treated to a leaked build of Android Q that pointed to some nice benefits and changes that may be coming to users. They included things like a system-wide dark mode, better privacy controls, and possibly improved support for a “desktop mode.” This week the pendulum swings back the other way toward a new change that will likely be seen as an intrusive and unwelcome addition to the operating system – more SIM lock controls.
This past weekend new code updated to Android source code management system showed up with the title “Carrier restriction enhancements for Android Q.” The overall thrust of this new code is that network carriers will be given more granular control to be able to determine which devices will work on their networks and which ones will not.
Heading the list of changes is a system that will enable carriers to create “whitelists” and “blacklists” of devices. This ability will even enable carriers to block devices from virtual carrier networks that would normally access the same towers as the main carrier. The other group of changes involves dual SIM phones such that a carrier could require a valid SIM be in the first slot before the second slot could be used.
With previous SIM lock capabilities, consumers always had the choice of buying a specifically carrier-unlocked device instead of buying one directly from a carrier. However, in the case of a device purchased from a carrier, customers could still jump ship to a different carrier if they were willing to pay off a lease and feel confident their device would still work. That could be going away depending on how carriers want to utilize this new capability.
Initially this may seem like Google is helping carriers at the expense of consumers. However, this could be more a case of Google looking out for Google by subtly encouraging purchases of carrier unlocked devices. The Google Store will likely be the best – if not only – source for such devices.
source: 9to5Google
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How much of this is to do with the policy management aspects of eSIM?
LOL.. That kind of defeats the purpose of buying a pixel phone from google.. I did that knowing that if i was not happy at FI.. i could take my device anywhere.. Instead of buying a new device if i try to switch carriers.. Cell networks are really focused on taking your money one way or the other. They had you with the 2 year contract.. Because they knew you werent going anywhere.. Then they ended the contract but made you buy a $1000 phone.. knowing that if you were not happy.. It wasnt likely you were going to go across the street to buy a new $1000 just to escape.. I think if i buy a phone i should be able to take it anywhere to have it activated. If they keep this up… I might have to go back to a home phone and get rid of the ball and chain..