Locked phone and crappy service

Our service has been very hit or miss and we decided to go with another carrier. My phone went through with no issues but my husband’s that he bought is still in the magic six months. We called and they even admitted that our service was only on the good side but the “system” would not allow for an override to the phone lock. We have to turn off the cellular service or use our WiFi to make calls at home. We were not told about the phone lock with purchase. We were told we could leave at any time. Sure you can leave but not with their phone even though we paid for it. Crappy service and crappy practices.