The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule that aims to eliminate carrier locking, a frustrating aspect of smartphone ownership. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is pushing for mobile providers to unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation to facilitate easier switching between providers.
The proposed rule, to be discussed at the commission’s July 18 meeting, seeks to establish universal unlocking requirements for mobile service providers. Carrier locking currently serves to deter theft and secure customer retention by preventing phones from being used on other carriers.
Currently, U.S. carriers have varying policies on phone unlocks. AT&T and T-Mobile lock phones until they are paid off, while Verizon automatically unlocks phones after 60 days. Other carriers also have their own unlock policies based on payment or time duration.
In her announcement, Rosenworcel states, “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 potential impact of this proposal on future smartphone purchases, such as the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9, remains to be seen. During the July meeting, the FCC may initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather feedback from stakeholders before enacting a new rule.
