Until recently, phones sold by carriers were locked down to work only on their networks. For example, a phone purchased from Bell only worked on the Bell network. To get it unlocked, you had to pay a fee of around $50.

However, vendors have already started selling some unlocked phone models. This is particularly the case for iPhones sold at Videotron since September ^1st .

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced this new rule last June. The end of unlocking fees will save Canadian consumers a lot of money. Indeed, they collectively paid $37.7 million to unlock 943,363 devices in 2016.

>> To read also: our test of more than 80 phones

Why and how to get your phone unlocked?

Having your phone unlocked can be useful if you want to switch providers, sell your phone, or insert another provider's SIM card into it while traveling abroad.

The procedure may vary from phone to phone. In most cases, unlocking can be done remotely. The best thing to do is to contact your supplier as of December ¹ ; the latter will tell you how to proceed.

Enjoy your newfound freedom!

With an unlocked phone, it's easier to switch cellular service providers. The new provider will send you a SIM card that you need to insert into your device. You can keep the same phone number.

To find out if you can get a more advantageous plan from another provider, consult our cellular plan comparator. For example, Koodo, Fido and Virgin Mobile currently offer plans with unlimited calls and 6 or 8 GB of data for $49 per month.

Please note: if your current provider granted you a discount on the telephone at the start of a two-year agreement and you change company before the end of the contract, you will have to reimburse the discount granted to him in proportion to the advancement of the contract. 'agreement.

For example, if he granted you a $720 discount on the phone, you will owe him $30 per month remaining in the agreement ($720 divided by 24 months = $30/month).

>> Read also: Comparison of cellular plans for travelers