Senate bill would legalize cellphone unlocking

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Lee (R-UT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Wireless Consumer Choice Act to legalize cellphone unlocking and allow owners to switch their devices to other networks. The bill would instruct the Federal Communications Commission to order carriers to allow their customers to unlock their phones and switch providers after they have completed their contracts. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House.

"As far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything at all," said Sina Khanifar, who started the White House petition. He pointed out that FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has already pledged to look into the issue, and might compel wireless providers to allow unlocking anyway. "The root of this problem lies in parts of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and how easily they are abused at consumers' expense," said Christopher Lewis of Public Knowledge in an emailed statement. "Amending the DMCA itself will ensure stronger competition, and also that consumers can use the devices they've bought in whatever lawful way they choose."