20 quid is not so bad - I unblocked an Orange Sony Ericsson handset ages ago and can now use those pay as you go cards when I've spent a long time in a few countries. It's a one-time payment and the handset still works fine.


15-20 quid is about the going rate along the Kilburn High Road where I used to live in London for phone unblocking.

If you want a cheap pay-as-you-go here, Orange Click is reasonably cheap.

Telecoms companies (like lots of other companies) have no concept of brand loyalty unfortunately. They've probably got completely different infrastructures as well from place to place so would find it hard to transfer your details.