Can I switch carriers without paying an unlocking fee?

[AC Question]

My contract ended a while back and I want to switch carriers without paying the double billing shyters for an "unlock code". Can that be done and if so, how so? Otherwise I'll just toss this into the garbage and go get a different phone. Galaxy Grand Prime G530W

 

[hallux]

What carrier are you with now?

Google Carrier name unlock policy and see what the resulting search reveals about how to unlock one of their devices. If your contract is in good standing, they'll give you the code in most cases.

 

[meattray]

Yeah usually depends on your carrier but most are required to give you the unlock code when off contract and device paid up. If not you can usually buy an unlock code from either eBay or a source online for less than twenty dollars.

 

[smvim]

For U.S. carriers, back in Feb 2015 the FCC made it mandatory they unlock any phones as long as their contracts were paid up.
https://arstechnica.com/business/2015/02/starting-today-wireless-carriers-have-to-unlock-your-phone/
Of course with our new administration, any rulings enacted by the previous administration are in question but for now it's still policy to unlock phones when requested.