iPhone 3G sold unlocked in Hong Kong, Italy

We have received multiple reports indicating that the iPhone 3G is being sold as an unlocked device by 3 Hutchnison Telecommunications in Hong Kong and TIM in Italy. This means that users can insert any carrier’s SIM card into the device and access the attached network. However, both carriers are still requiring users to sign a two-year contract before they purchase the unlocked iPhones.

Per the Office of the Telecommunications Authority, Hong Kong, carriers are not allowed to SIM lock a phone for the purpose of solely tying customers to their network. However, Hong Kong carriers can SIM-lock a phone to protect the handset subsidy or to enforce mobile plan contracts.

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