Not sure about BB10, but with previous BB's, you could always load whatever image will work. The "Network Carrier" branded version was unnecessary even if you had a branded BB.
Somewhat like Android. You can also load tweaked custom OS's, or "hybrid OS's" as they're known in the BB community.
Don't really think that's true. I mean it was in some sense but for example if you loaded a seperate spectrum compatible, carrier "image" it might be fine until the next reboot at which time the carrier service books would get reloaded.
So for example, you may have installed the bb maps and on the next reboot away they would disappear to be replaced with a link to purchase "AT&T Navigator", etc. The "AT&T Mall" would reappear, etc.
Service book configuration was something fairly unique to BB and allowed carriers to configure the user experience to a pretty significant extent.
Doesn't really apply to BB10 afaik so it's just reminiscing about the bad old days, irregardless.
Somewhat like Android. You can also load tweaked custom OS's, or "hybrid OS's" as they're known in the BB community.