Should consumers be able to modify products that they own?

That's like telling a car owner that they can't put snow tires on for the winter because it's not factory shipped. Consumers own what they've purchased and are practically entitled to do what they please with it, unless they try to sell what they've made that would run into some legal issues.

Carriers Threaten Apple Over Plans To Embed SIM Card In Future iPhones > http://bit.ly/98qig3

"... Apple is working on a programmable, custom-SIM card that could be embedded in future iPhones ..."

In other words, Apple is trying to cut out the middle man {Carriers}. This is also another way to combat Jailbreaking & Unlocking of future iPhones.

"... The bone of contention for the operators is that Apple here is trying to “control” the relationship between the consumer and the network. As mentioned earlier, if this plan is implemented, people could buy their phones and sign up on the Apple website for their network of choice and start using the phone right away – without much involvement of the network ..."

I think the question should be: Should companies be allowed to object to product modification by consumers who rightfully own them?

I think the middle ground here is the warranty. Modify it = void warranty. You're not getting any help from the company you bought it from if you modify it because they are not liable for what you do to it oustide the terms of use. But the company shouldn't have a say if I modify it and don't want any help from them, and make better use of it with those modifications.

I can't imagine in some situations where refusing to allow consumers to modify anything is for the greater good. We know that this void our warranty but in some scenarios it borders necessity. The Samsung Moment for example, in many ways a healthy contender to the HTC Hero at the time of it's release, but the product was rushed and not properly QC'd so there are a plethora of hardware and software issues. Without rooting and custom time, sometimes the device borders on unusable.

Simple answer... Yes, they should!!

but here is the question... do you own the hardware? or do you own the license to use the hardware? there is a big difference...