(News Nation) — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday proposed new rules that would require carriers to: mobile phone Can be unlocked within 60 days of purchase.
The move will allow cell phone users “to keep their existing cell phone and easily switch from one mobile wireless service provider to another, so long as the consumer’s cell phone is compatible with the new provider’s wireless network,” the FCC said in a statement. statement.
Currently, most mobile phones cannot be unlocked by the carrier until the contract ends or the phone bill is paid, preventing consumers from using the phone on another network.
The agency said some mobile phones contain software that prevents them from being used on different mobile networks, even if they are technically compatible.
According to the FCC, the software essentially locks a phone onto another provider’s network, putting users at the mercy of their carriers.
Unlocking phones gives consumers more choice and increases competition in the wireless service provider market.
“Genuine competition benefits from transparency and consistency,” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.
“That’s why we’re proposing clear, nationwide phone unlocking rules. When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change your service to the carrier of your choice, and not be tied down by practices that prevent you from making that choice because of the device you own.”
The agency noted that the new rules “will promote competition by reducing switching costs for consumers and reduce customer confusion by applying the same unlocking rules to all mobile service providers.”
The rule does not address how current users would be treated under the rule, but the agency is seeking comment on the proposal under a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The process will also seek comment on whether the unlocking requirements should apply to existing or future contracts.
The department said it also seeks comment on the impact the 60-day unlocking requirement will have on carriers’ incentives to offer phones at discounted prices on postpaid and prepaid service plans, and whether the requirement would benefit smaller providers, new entrants and resellers.
