And similarly, the TTfone Basic Big Button comes sim free and without the capacity to roam the mobile internet.

BBC: In search of simple phones

While we're on the subject of BlackBerry devices, the Bold 9790 -- a device that officially launched a month ago -- is also making it to the UK as a SIM-free device as soon as January 9th.

ENGADGET: Mobile Miscellany: week of December 12, 2011 Mobile

To have the network overrule the manufacturer, to overrule the operating system owners, and to weaken the eco-system is short sighted and ultimately weakens the networks themselves over the long run, pushing customers to buying SIM-free handsets with no network interference.

FORBES: Denying Windows Phone Users WP 7.8 Is Short-Sighted And Will Weaken Relationships