WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024—FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today 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 Commission 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.
“Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules. When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice.”
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.
Specifically, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek comment on requiring all mobile wireless service providers to unlock mobile phones 60 days after the device is activated with the provider. The proceeding would also seek comment on whether an unlocking requirement should be applied to existing contracts or future contacts. It also seeks comment on the impact of a 60-day unlocking requirement in connection with service providers’ incentives to offer discounted phones for postpaid and prepaid service plans, as well as whether an unlocking requirement would benefit smaller providers, new entrants, and resellers by increasing the number of phones available on the secondary market.
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Office of the Chairwoman: (202) 418-2400 / www.fcc.gov/jessica-rosenworcel
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974)
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