Indeed one of the most important tasks is to get the Phones unlocked by the provider as soon as they allow. Always best myself and others have found on newer unlocking via the provider rather than by a market stall etc.
Most provide the service free, but is another factor to consider when taking out a contract i feel. As two phones a year sorts out the little bro and sis plus when they upgrade the work phones and suggest to save on cost and logsitics that we take to a recycle place our selfs