[gtr32x]

In Canada the situation used to be same that you have to wait until after your contract is over then you can unlock your phone for a petty fee. Fido has just changed their policies early this year to allow unlocking for $50 within half a year of starting a contract. Not sure about other carriers, but can't say how glad I was to see this change as I come to US every few months.

Of course, still unfortunate that I have to pay the fee, though I'd rather have this than in states where you still have to wait until your contract is up.

[ThatGeoGuy]

This is likely due to the CRTC releasing a new wireless code back in June, where they specified that "[c]arriers must offer consumers the ability to unlock unsubsidized devices (ie. devices purchased at full price) at any time." [1]

I'm not sure why you paid specifically $50 (as the cost should be specified at the time of contract), as the policy was supposed to be 100% in effect as of December 3rd. Unless of course I'm mistaken and Fido changed their policies before this was introduced. Thankfully though, you can get your device unlocked in Canada after up to 90 days, at your carrier's discretion [1]. (Though really, forcing a 90 day wait won't really affect much in the long run if consumers start using this clause, so I expect most will just be willing to unlock the phone fairly quickly as time goes on)

[1] http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/6862/125/