FCC wants to force carriers to unlock phones for consumers2024-06-28 18:44 by DanielaTags: FCC
The FCC is looking to make a huge rule change in the U.S. which would force wireless carriers to unlock phones purchased from them only 60 days after the device was activated. Typically, when you purchase a new phone, it remains locked to the carrier you bought it from until the phone is paid off or any contract involved in its purchase expires. Once a phone is unlocked, the owner can switch carriers and bring the device with him to a new wireless provider as long as the network is compatible with the phone. In a press release that was disseminated on Thursday, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency. That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules. When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice." The public will get the opportunity to comment on any proposed rule change and will also get to decide whether a new unlocking rule should be applied to existing contracts or future contracts. The public will also get to comment on whether they believe that a 60-day forced unlocking rule will impact the incentive of wireless providers to offer discounts on new phones for postpaid or prepaid service plans. Consumers will be asked whether the new unlocking proposal would benefit smaller providers, new wireless firms, and resellers such as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) by increasing the number of handsets available in the secondary markets. Read more -here-
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