There have been a few reports recently about what we can expect from Android Q but it will take some time before Google makes the next iteration of its mobile OS official. A new report claims that Android Q will allow mobile carriers to implement stricter device locking rules.
9to5Google discovered new code posted on the Gerrit source code of Android which suggests that carriers may be given more control over locking devices to a specific SIM card with Android Q. This will let them control which SIM cards do and don’t work with a device.
Carriers would be able to create lists of “allowed” and “excluded” carriers that a device on their SIM card can work with. These lists can be used to block MVNOs even if they’re being used on devices that support the main networks that an MVNO piggybacks on.
Android Q may also enable carriers to prevent the second SIM slot on a dual SIM smartphone from functioning at all unless a SIM card from an approved mobile carrier is being used in the first slot. Carriers would thus have greater control over which networks a customer can use on their device.
Nothing is set in stone right now and things could change down the line but it’s evident that Google has considered granting carrier more control in this area.