FCC seeks comment on Verizon's C Block Rules Petition

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on a petition for declaratory ruling, or in the alternative a petition for a partial waiver, filed by Verizon on February 22, 2019, in WT Docket No. 06-150, regarding section 27.16(e) of the Commission’s C Block licensing rules (the handset locking rule). Specifically, Verizon requests that the FCC declare that the handset locking rule permits Verizon to adopt a temporary, 60-day lock on the 4G LTE handsets it provides, to ensure that the handsets are purchased by bona fide customers. Verizon currently sells unlocked 4G LTE handsets that can be used on any carrier’s compatible 4G LTE network. With respect to whether its temporary locking proposal is consistent with the handset locking rule, Verizon asserts that the rule is ambiguous and that clarification is needed. In the alternative, Verizon asks that to the extent that the FCC declines to issue a declaratory ruling, or the FCC decides that its proposal is inconsistent with the handset locking rule, the FCC grant Verizon a partial waiver of the handset locking rule.

Comments Due: April 4, 2019 Reply Comments Due: April 19, 2019