[MechaJDI]

While I agree that OWNERS of the hardware shouldn't be bound by arbitrary rules laid out by the service providers, you can still get your phone unlocked, but only from the carrier...At least with T-Mobile, it's free (to my knowledge) as long as your account is in good standing. The law still sucks though...

[ceejayoz]

I don't believe carriers are in any way required to do that. They could stop doing it at any point.

[MechaJDI]

True, but the opportunity still exists at this point.