Cellphone Users vs. Service Providers

The Boston Herald gives a pretty good description of the locked and crippled phone situation in the US.

As cellphones have become more functional and ubiquitous, consumers have become aware of the ways their service providers hem them in. Features such as Bluetooth connectivity, which allows people to wirelessly transfer files, are sometimes disabled by carriers. People trying to get applications or ring tones onto their phones often find it frustratingly complicated -- unless they go through their provider's own store. People who want to switch service usually have to get a new phone.
That means Silbert's services, which were once the domain of phone geeks, are now mainstream enough for the mall.
"You own your hardware -- you have the right to be able to do what you want," said Silbert