Carriers Split on FCC's Phone Unlocking Proposal
'We have total inconsistency right now in the rules,' said Jeff Blum, executive vice president of external and government affairs at Echostar.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 - A proposed Federal Communications Commission rule requiring mobile carriers to automatically unlock phones after 60 days has divided the wireless industry, according to experts speaking at a Broadband Breakfast event Wednesday.
Consumers can purchase unlocked phones directly from manufacturers, but they typically cost significantly more than carrier-subsidized devices. These subsidies often come with an unlocking policy, which varies across different carriers - AT&T can keep phones locked indefinitely, T-Mobile requires one year, while Verizon must unlock after 60 days due to previous agreements.
The 60-day unlocking proposal, which passed with bipartisan support at the FCC, aims to create uniform standards across carriers.
Jeff Blum
