One of the biggest (and most saturated) cellular related items sold in Canada is unlock codes for devices. Why? Because in Canada (unlike the US after 90 days of activity) none of the big 3 carriers will openly disclose the specific imei unlock code for any of their in market devices. Meaning us as consumers must out source this code through various third party distributors, sometimes paying upwards of $60 depending on the device/carrier involved. Expensive? Very. But the option is much cheaper than incurring often expensive roaming charges while using a device abroad.

Well, I have good news for you, this is all going to change beginning early 2011 according to the Financial Post:

“A final shift in strategy is that Telus will begin some time early next year allowing mobile customers to “unlock” the vast majority of their handsets for a small fee, a first among the Big Three carriers.”

This is one of the smartest marketing strategies released by any carrier thus far in Canada, and surely the competition (Bell and Rogers) will see the value in this idea and follow suit.

As for pricing? It will likely be a bit high, forcing most people to for third party anyways, it’s the idea of having the option that will sound most appealing to customers.

[via Mobile Syrup]