FCC, wireless carriers reach cell phone unlocking deal

The ban on unlocking mobile phones is lifted as regulators and carriers finally work out the details of the new policy.
 
 
It appears the i's have been dotted and the t's have been crossed for a new policy that will now let consumers unlock their cell phones more easily.

The Federal Communications Commission has reached an agreement with the five major US wireless carriers that requires the carriers to disclose how and when cell phones on their networks can be unlocked, according to Reuters.

"CTIA and these companies share the goal of ensuring that America's wireless consumers continue to benefit from the world-leading range of competitive devices and offerings they currently enjoy, and believe that these voluntary principles will enhance these consumer benefits," the CTIA, an industry trade group that represents wireless carriers, wrote in a letter (PDF) to the FCC on Thursday.

Unlocking cell phones allows handsets to be used on a wireless network other than that of the originating carrier. It's a process that wireless carriers are usually willing to accommodate once the customer's wireless contract has been fulfilled.

Under the terms of the deal, carriers agreed that customers' phones could be unlocked at the end of their contract, which makes the mobile business a more even playing field. Carriers also have to notify customers when they are eligible for unlocking, as well as process or deny unlocking requests within two business days. The deal also states that carriers can charge non-customers a fee for unlocking a phone.

Carriers have allowed for cell phone unlocking in the past; but earlier this year the process became illegal after the Library of Congress opted not to renew an exemption in the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, an exemption it granted in 2006 and 2010. The change caused quite a stir in the wireless community and even attracted the attention of the White House.

The Obama administration... Read the rest of this post --->
Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

2 comentarii:

  1. Now, Unlocking phones becomes legal . The white house banned their previous petition "unlocking phones illegal" . In my view, Unlocking is not a criminal action . If anyone wants to travel to other countries than US, they want to use it with that particular country's local network . All the network provider restricts their phone to use with various countries. Then, how can they use other carrier without unlocking their handsets. Its not illegal . It is one of the essential requirement for mobile users . Unlocking can be done by respective carrier or some of the providers like ProUnlocking.com to unlock it .

    ReplyDelete