... in the US. In Europe you had a SIM-locked phone if you bought it from the carrier, but you could also but a SIM-free one. Then when your contact was over

... in the US. In Europe you had a SIM-locked phone if you bought it from the carrier, but you could also but a SIM-free one. Then when your contact was over (usually 12 to 24 months) you could require the removal of the lock.