Sony Ericsson K850i Vodafone Unlock

[willj12]

HI,
my mum is getting a Sony Ericsson k850i as an upgrade but is giving it to me and im on virgin, is there any way to unlock it?
or would it work if i bought a vodafone sim card?

[spireites]

If it's a new Vodafone contract handset I believe it should arrive already unlocked.

[willj12]

it arrived this morning and your right it is unlocked!
but now come, i thought they locked their phones?

[spireites]

For whatever reason apparently all new Voda contract handsets are now supplied unlocked, and they will also unlock for free locked handsets that were previously supplied with a contract and PAYT handsets over 12 months old - to unlock PAYT handsets that are less that 12 months old is £19.99 though.

Still it's good that they do this now, saves hassle of getting a phone unlocked if you want to sell it on I guess.