(NewsNation) – The Federal Communications Commission proposed a new rule Thursday that would require carriers to make cell phones Unlockable within 60 days of purchase.
The measure would give cellphone users “freedom to pick up their existing phones and switch from one wireless mobile service provider to another more easily, as long as the consumer’s phone is compatible with the new provider’s wireless network,” the company said. FCC in a statement. declaration.
Currently, most cell phones cannot be unlocked by a carrier until the contract ends or the phone is paid off, preventing consumers from using the phone on another network.
The agency said some cellphones may contain software that prevents them from being used on different mobile networks, even when those networks are technologically compatible.
This software essentially locks the phone to another provider’s network, keeping users under the control of carriers, the FCC said.
Unlocking cell phones would increase consumer choice and competition in the wireless service provider market.
“Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.
“That’s why we are proposing clear, national rules for unlocking cell phones. When purchasing a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to switch service to the carrier you want and not leave the device you have tied to practices that prevent you from making that choice.”
The new rule “would increase competition by reducing consumer switching costs and reduce customer confusion by applying the same unlocking rules to all mobile service providers,” the agency noted.
The rule does not address how current users would fare under the rule, but under its “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,” the agency is seeking comment on the proposal.
The process would also seek comment on whether an unblocking requirement should apply to existing contracts or future contacts.
The agency said it is also seeking comment on the impact of a 60-day unlock requirement in connection with carriers’ incentives to offer discounted phones for postpaid and prepaid service plans and whether the requirement would benefit smaller providers, new participants and resellers.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
