greedy businesses

i don't quite get this article about it being illegal now, for people to unlock their cell phones for use with a different carrier. cell companies already have the privilege of charging their customers hundreds of dollars if they switch to a different carrier before their contract is up so why this deal with the phone? not that i understand why anyone would do it and it sounds like they would do it before their contract was up. i'm in the dark except it sounds like consumers are getting screwed again. and verizon's heavy hand was one reason i left them when i was able. fuckers. i am quite happy with consumer cellular -- no contract and i can use my phone right at the border. which i could not with verizon. consumer cellular may be geared toward old people, but it's the absolutely best deal in all areas, so why consider anything else?!