The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is giving smartphone consumers good news.
On Thursday, the agency announced that it had proposed a new rule that would make it easier for users to unlock their devices. Instead of waiting at least 120 days (depending on the carrier) of locking devices, the FCC has proposed to lower this to 60 days.
As it stands, device users have to depend on their carrier’s policy if they want to switch to another carrier. But with the FCC’s new proposal, they don’t have to wait too long for their device to be unlocked. They can simply contact their service provider and get their device unlocked as long as they are in “good standing.” This means that their device needs to be paid off or they’ll be ready to pay an early termination fee.
In its announcement, the FCC said that this proposal would allow more flexibility to consumers.
FCC’s Jessica Rosenworcel said:
“Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency. That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules. 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.”
Right now, there’s very little that we know about the FCC’s proposal. But it will have an open meeting on July 18th. A decision could be made after this date.
Source: The Verge
