Mobile wireless service providers are now trying to trap consumers. They intentionally make it an extremely difficult process to switch to another carrier, and usually require you to pay your phone bills and fulfill other contractual obligations. On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission said: suggestion They called for new rules that would require mobile phone companies to unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation and give customers the freedom to easily choose a different service.
That’s pretty much all we know on the subject at this time. Full details will be released at a public meeting on July 18th, when the FCC will vote on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to outline clear guidelines for all wireless service providers. The meeting will also consider rules on whether the 60-day unlock requirement should apply to existing contracts, and whether it should be available to smaller providers, new entrants, or resellers.
While the details of the proposal are still unclear, this brief announcement at least sets in motion a welcome change that was long overdue: “When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier of your choice, not be tied to practices that prevent you from making that choice because of the device you own,” said Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel.
This proposal is good news for customers as well as service providers: greater flexibility to switch services will encourage healthy competition among providers and reduce the risk of carrier monopolies.
