Unlock those cell phones

[Commentary] Score one for the tens of millions of cell phone users. The White House is heeding an online consumer petition and will push to overturn a federal ruling that hamstrings handset users from full use of their popular gadgets. The change will make it easier for phone and tablet users to unlock their favorite devices and overcome built-in software that keeps customers tethered to one wireless firm. Cell phone firms have signaled a willingness to allow unlocking when a service term ends. That's a useful start, but freeing up phones should be a consumer guarantee. The next step calls for amending federal law to ensure these changes are made. The vital and innovative digital world needs a dose of consumer protection. Allowing unlocked phones is a good place to start.