I believe nokia wanted to use its sheer numbers to change the way the cellular providers operate in the US. While they lost valuable market share by not releasing locked phones, they always had the hope of doing it the right way yielding better results in the longer run. But unfortunately that idea was a total disaster. Not developing touch screens and not going in for carrier lock ins are the most important factors which led to its current downfall. I personally think the first one is a dumb decision while i applaud the second one. But in the situation they are right now...... unless the fcc intervenes there is no way they would succeed by selling unlocked phones only. The worst thing is that people are buying the locked phones and ending up paying more over the 2 year period and having to stay in a contract. But still they are selling like hot cakes.