[vctrnk]

I won't hold my breath. From the article:

> In theory, we might be asked to give this device back. In practice, these devices are written off as soon as they’re sent to customers.

In my country, there are various ISPs with the same OEM boxes from SDMCtech. They went to the trouble of asking manufacturer to put a custom SDIO encryption chip onboard. If someone dares to touch the firmware and/or included apps (not system, but phone-home ones) the device automatically bricks forever. Not even a NAND change fixes this, as the SoC/cryptochip/NAND trio is somehow "mated" at factory. This derived in a literal invasion of these at flea markets, charity stores etc. Almost none of them work, and if they do they are thoroughly locked.

Some people like me had limited success tweaking things through ADB. This box seems to accept a launcher change as long as the original isn't erased. That works until the box updates itself and bitches again about "pirating/unauthorized use", which is quite frequent.

Our ISPs are well aware of said e-waste, and still won't budge their up-the-ass attitude.

[bigape911]

Then when it's time to get rid of it, throw it back at their door step since it doesn't belong to you

[pjmlp]

Actually many of those providers in some jurisdisions require returning the device at contract termination.