Budget Watchdog Pushes Back on FCC Unlocking Proposal

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2024 – A nonprofit organization that fights government waste is opposing device unlocking rules proposed by the Federal Communications Commission under Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

Citizens Against Government Waste filed comments with the FCC Wednesday in opposition to a proposed federal rulemaking requiring the unlocking of mobile phones within 60 days of activation by the provider.

“The [unlocking proposal] as currently proposed is unnecessary. The wireless industry has adopted standards for cell phone unlocking. Limitations on unlocking exist solely due to merger conditions created by the FCC for select mobile providers. And consumers can choose to purchase unlocked devices either through a device manufacturer or on the secondary market,” CAGW President Thomas Schatz said.