FCC Wants All Phones Unlockable 60 Days After Purchase
The FCC has proposed a new rule that would require carriers to unlock all mobile phones just 60 days after purchase, aiming to give consumers more freedom to switch carriers. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was announced by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, emphasizing the need for clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules. The full proposal will be published on July 18, inviting public feedback and likely sparking responses from mobile providers.
Elaboration: The FCC is moving to make it easier for consumers to unlock their mobile phones with a proposed rule that would mandate carriers to provide unlocking services 60 days after activation. This proposal, announced by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, seeks to simplify the process and ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose their carrier without being hindered by restrictive practices.
The proposed rule would affect phones bought from carriers, which are typically locked to that carrier until the contract expires or the phone is fully paid off. Despite past improvements, many consumers still find the unlocking process confusing. The rule would require carriers to unlock phones, not through biometrics or passwords, but by changing the phone’s software settings to work with different mobile networks.
While the idea is to provide consistency and transparency, there are concerns about how this rule would interact with current phone purchasing trends, such as installment plans where phones are paid off over several years. The FCC’s proposal doesn’t absolve consumers from paying off their phones but allows them to use their phones on other networks.
The NPRM is a draft rule stage where public feedback is solicited. The full document will be published on July 18, and the FCC will then collect comments and consider adjustments before finalizing the rule. This move is expected to prompt significant feedback from mobile providers, who may have concerns about how this rule impacts their business models.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel highlights that the rule is about giving consumers more control and reducing carrier-imposed barriers, ensuring that people can switch services easily without being locked into long-term commitments due to their phone’s network compatibility.
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