[jnorthrop]

That seems like a fair move on AT&T's part and a nice PR opportunity. The article characterizes AT&Ts requirements as "strict" but I disagree. I think it is completely reasonable that they expect you to finish the contract you signed with them and have no outstanding balance.

[pyre]

  > I think it is completely reasonable that they expect
  > you to finish the contract you signed with them

1. What if I want to go abroad and just buy a cheap local SIM instead of paying a small fortune to AT&T for international roaming during my contract period?

2. Unlocking the phone doesn't have the effect of terminating the contract. Once the phone is unlocked, you just have an unlocked phone under a contract. If you decide to terminate your contract at any time, then you still have to pay the early termination fee. It's not like unlocking your phone gets you out of your contractual obligations.