alt Hacker NewsI don't think the cellular network is the problem at all - everything except SMS and PSTN calls works on wifi. The problem is the apps. Netflix only runs on a verified bona fide electrified six car Google- or Apple-approved device; so do most financial apps (EU law requires them to) and basically everything else where the app developers are trying to get money off you (which is most apps). Some apps will refuse to play ads on a non-genuine device and then refuse to function because you aren't watching ads. Play Store does its best to stop you installing its apps on a nongenuine device, but it has to support older devices without TPMs so it's not fully locked down yet. Even YouTube has some level of attestation.
Replies
And why can Netflix ignore everybody who doesn't have a bona fide Google or Apple phone?
Because the number of non-Google and non-Apple phones is a rounding error.
And why is that? Because, except for the incumbents, it is almost impossible to certify a phone.
We could have nice sub-$100 phones (remove camera, etc.) if people could get them certified. But they can't; so we don't.
In the US at least, you could already have a lot of trouble with Wi-Fi calling when using unlocked Android phones. And it is basically nonexistent if you use a phone purchased outsiden US.