FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes Mobile Phone Unlocking Requirement

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed that the agency require mobile providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation. New unlocking rules would allow consumers the freedom to take their existing phones and switch from one mobile wireless service provider to another more easily, as long as the consumer’s phone is compatible with the new provider’s wireless network. At its July 18 Open Meeting, the FCC will vote on a proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on expanding unlocking requirements to establish a clear and uniform set of requirements for all mobile service providers. Mobile phone unlocking can increase consumer choice and competition in the wireless service provider marketplace. Updated unlocking rules would give consumers more flexibility when switching service providers, increase competition by reducing consumer’s switching costs, and reduce customer confusion by applying the same unlocking rules to all mobile service providers.