I'm not sure if this is old news but I just happened across this -

Network Unlock Code ( Nuc ) - Vodafone eForum

If you need help with getting your Vodafone handset unlocked, please see below.

Obtaining an NUC code

Vodafone will supply a Network Unlock Code (NUC) for you if you've purchased a phone or device from us on either Contract or Pay As You Talk (PAYT.) An NUC allows you to use non-Vodafone SIM cards inside your Vodafone handset.

If you got the phone with a contract the NUC will be free of charge, regardless of its age, as all new contract phones are now dispatched unlocked.

If the phone is a PAYT handset over 12 months old the code will also be free of charge.

If it's a PAYT handset that's less than 12 months old a charge of £19.99 including VAT would apply. The £19.99 will need to be credited to your phone before you apply for the code. Once the NUC has been issued the charge will be debited.

To obtain an NUC code you would need to contact our customer services team by completing our online contact form, available on www.vodafone.co.uk at the Vodafone Contact Us Forum.

You will need to have the following information available for us to process your code

• Make/model of mobile
  
• IMEI number (The IMEI can be found by entering *#06# into your phone or it is also given in the battery compartment of the device).

If the IMEI number is kept on our system we can give you the NUC straight away. If we don't hold the details there is a timescale of 72 hours to retrieve the code from the mobile phone manufacturer. The only exception for this is for Samsung, who have a timescale of up 16 days.

If only other networks would follow suit....

What, like O2, who don't lock them in the first place, you mean? :P

Like Orange.

The futures great, if you like a crippled handset.

What, like O2, who don't lock them in the first place, you mean? :P

And voda now according to my post above :P

o2 dont lock some of them... but quite a few (xda) models are locked... though most can be unlocked if you know where to download the right "fix"