FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed new rules requiring operators to unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation, aiming to facilitate easier switching between providers.
Currently, mobile phones are typically locked to service providers’ networks until subscribers complete their contracts or pay off the device costs.
Rosenworcel emphasized that the new rules would “establish a clear and uniform set of requirements for all mobile service providers” to unlock phones. She stated, “Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency. That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules.”
The FCC noted that unlocking phones could enhance consumer choice and competition in the wireless service provider market. However, the proposed rules are expected to face significant opposition from operators.
Commissioners are set to vote on the proposal to unlock phones at a meeting on July 18. If approved, the FCC will then seek public comments on the rules, including whether the unlocking requirement should apply to existing or future tariffs.
The FCC is also soliciting feedback on the impact of a 60-day unlocking requirement on operators’ incentives to offer discounted phones. Additionally, they aim to determine “whether an unlocking requirement would benefit smaller providers, new entrants, and resellers by increasing the number of phones available on the secondary market.”
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2 comments on “FCC Proposes 60 Unlock Rule”
NWIDA
July 19, 2024 at 1:10 pmYes – https://coveragemap.com/
Pilar Umnuss
July 18, 2024 at 10:16 pmI hope this 60 day unlocked rule goes thru- I’ve been a cricket customer for several years but lately my area seems to be a d3ad zone. Unfortunately lost my phone recently and bought cash a new cricket phone- meanwhile have been looming into other providers-to my surprise, found out that my new paid for cricket cell phone has a 6 month lock on it- even though it’s paid in full & I’m a long time customer- but not for long, will have to try other carriers to hopefully get better coverage. Is there a place where carrier coverage & signal strength map are viewable to general public?
Thanks!