Code points out carriers can put advanced SIM locks in Android Q

Code has appeared online that indicates that providers can put simlocks on smartphones with Android Q in a more advanced way. For example, it would be possible to make whitelists and blacklists of providers per simslot.

For example, providers can block virtual providers on their own network or competitors in other countries, 9to5Google reports based on four commits in the Android code. This is not only possible in the SIM slot containing the provider’s SIM card, but also in the other SIM slot for dual SIM telephones. As a result, users can only use the second SIM slot if there is an ‘approved SIM card’ in the first SIM slot.

Simlocks still exist, although they are much less present in the Benelux than before. In the Benelux, providers also mainly sell ‘unlocked’ models without a SIM lock. With a SIM lock, providers can ensure that customers continue to use their services if they sell devices at a discount. This discount is possible because providers count on revenue coming back through services that customers purchase.

Google has put code for the functions in Android Q, the upcoming Android version that is expected to be released this year. The search giant has released a large Android version per year in recent years. An extensive video appeared in the past week that showed new features of Android Q.