AT&T allows unlocking of paid phones after 60 days for postpaid users and after six months for prepaid users. AT&T filed similar complaints as T-Mobile, saying in an Oct. 7 filing that the FCC's proposed rules “[e] handsets less affordable for consumers, especially those in low-income households,” and “exacerbate handset arbitrage, fraud, and human trafficking. “
AT&T told the FCC that “requiring carriers to unlock handsets before paying them off would ultimately harm consumers by creating upward pressure on handset prices and creating disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms.” If the FCC implements rules, it must “enforce existing contractual agreements between customers and providers, ensure that providers have at least 180 days to detect fraud before unlocking a device, and at least a 24-month period for providers to implement any new rules.” rules,” AT&T said.
Verizon, which already faces unlock regulations due to requirements placed on spectrum licenses it holds, automatically unlocks phones after 60 days for prepaid and postpaid users. Of the three major carriers, Verizon is the most receptive to the FCC's new rules.
Consumer groups: Make Verizon rules industry-wide
An Oct. 18 filing in support of a strict unlock rule was filed by numerous consumer advocacy groups, including Public Knowledge, New America's Open Technology Institute, Consumer Reports, the National Consumers League, the National Consumer Law Center and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
“Wireless users are subject to unnecessary restrictions in the form of locked devices, which tie them to their service providers even when better options are available. Locking handsets limits consumer freedom and reduces competition by creating an artificial technological barrier before switching to another provider.” the groups said.
