Yes, unlocking phones is legal in Italy, provided it complies with EU and national telecom regulations. Italian consumers may unlock devices to switch carriers or use foreign SIMs, but operators cannot impose unjustified fees or block devices post-contract. The 2023 EU Electronic Communications Code (ECC) and Italy’s Codice delle Comunicazioni Elettroniche (Legislative Decree 207/2021) mandate carrier neutrality, though AGCOM (Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni) enforces strict anti-locking rules post-2026.
Key Regulations for Unlocking Phones in Italy
- Carrier Obligations: Telecoms must unlock devices free of charge upon contract termination (Art. 95, ECC). Unjustified delays or fees violate AGCOM’s 2024 guidelines.
- Pre-2026 Locking: Devices purchased before 2026 may retain locks if explicitly agreed in the contract, but carriers must disclose unlocking terms upfront (AGCOM Delibera 349/23/CONS).
- EU Roaming Compliance: Unlocked phones must support all EU bands to avoid penalties under the Roaming Regulation (EU) 2022/612. AGCOM audits operators quarterly.
Penalties: Non-compliance risks fines up to €2.5 million (AGCOM’s 2025 enforcement directive). Consumers can file complaints via AGCOM’s ConciliaWeb platform. Third-party unlocking services operate in a legal gray area unless authorized by the original carrier.