After a very short conversation we had a few minutes ago with DoCoMo PR Staff in Tokyo, we learned that the Japanese mobile phone company may provide in 2011 SIM Free mobile phone in Japan, giving for once people the choice to use their handset with other carrier. Another possibility would be that DoCoMo only unlock mid-range phones and keep locked some of their best phone in order to keep an edge over its competitors.

Now if this information is not yet official, we have been confirm that the company is really thinking about it and that they are working on some possible solution regarding this matter.

As far as we are concerned, we doubt that DoCoMo will unlock all its phones in Japan at once and let costumers used Softbank SIM in their handset. It is very possible that these future phones may be able to only accept foreign SIM in order to be used with pre-paid card overseas, a but like what Softbank is supposedly doing with its iPad for example in Japan, or DoCoMo may in fact give the choice to get SIM Free for a fee or after the phones has been completely paid for or once your 1 or 2 year contract is over.

Anyway, we are heading in the good direction, and we will finally be able to re-use or sell older phones soon with other carrier whether you are staying in Japan or traveling abroad.