The UK's mobile networks are to be forbidden from selling phones locked to their services from December 2021.

Regulator Ofcom said unlocking handsets could often be a complicated process, and this was discouraging owners from switching providers at the end of their contracts.

The networks have previously suggested that locking devices helps deter theft and fraud.

But the watchdog noted some companies had already abandoned the practice.

UK bans SIMlocked phones. Over the years this has been a significant economic driver for hacking devices and led to the first rooting and jailbreaks of modern phones: https://t.co/Xx0zYh2wNV

— David Rogers (@drogersuk) October 27, 2020

Among those companies affected are, BT and its EE mobile division, Vodafone, Tesco Mobile.

O2, Sky, Three and Virgin already only sell unlocked handsets.

"[It] will save people time, money and effort - and help them unlock better deals," said Ofcom's connectivity director Selina Chadha.

Vodafone has already responded: "We stand ready to implement these changes when they come into force."

EE added: "We'll work with Ofcom to comply with its guidelines."

It typically costs about £10 to get a smartphone unlocked to let it work on any network.

However, according to a study by Ofcom, about half of all those who try to do so experience difficulties.

These can include facing a long wait to receive the code needed to trigger the process, as well as then finding that the code does not work.

The regulator added that some owners do not realise their devices are locked in the first place, causing them to suffer a loss of service when they try to switch.

The ban means the UK remains compliant with wider European rules, but Ofcom noted that it was already looking into the problem before the EU introduced the regulations in 2018.

The UK government has said it will adhere to the European Electronic Communications Code, despite planning to complete the Brexit transition period this year.