NCTA Backs 180-Day Automatic Mobile Device Unlocking

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 – FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants to unlock mobile phones within 60 days of activation. But a major cable broadband association says that her plan does not provide mobile carriers sufficient time to cope with bad actors.

In reply comments filed Monday, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association argued that Rosenworcel’s timeframe would give fraudsters an advantage, as mobile carriers need more time to identify fraudulent activity patterns. NCTA proposed a 180-day unlocking rule, coupled with a fraud exception allowing providers to decline unlocking when fraud is reasonably suspected.

NCTA represents Comcast and Charter Communications, both of which provide mobile service utilizing Verizon's network. Comcast ended the second quarter with 7.2 million mobile customers and Charter with 8.8 million.