Israel to Ban the Use of SIM Locking on Mobile Phones

Israel's Knesset Economics Affairs Committee has approved plans to ban the use of SIM locking on handsets sold by the mobile networks in the country. The ban on SIM locks is considered by the Ministry of Communications as vital if new mobile networks and MVNOs are to compete in the market. Currently, the mobile networks lock their handsets to their networks, but offer to unlock them for a fee, ranging from NIS 50-70. The Economics Committee also approved network neutrality for mobile Internet, including prices and technology. The decision bans mobile carriers from restricting the use of certain Internet applications or protocols.