Verizon To Stop Automatic Unlocking of Phones as FCC Ends 60-Day Unlock Rule (arstechnica.com) 20
The Federal Communications Commission is letting Verizon lock phones to its network for longer periods, eliminating a requirement to unlock handsets 60 days after they are activated on its network. From a report: The change will make it harder for people to switch from Verizon to other carriers. The FCC today granted Verizon's petition for a waiver of the 60-day unlocking requirement. While the waiver is in effect, Verizon only has to comply with the CTIA trade group's voluntary unlocking policy.
The CTIA policy calls for unlocking prepaid mobile devices one year after activation, while devices on postpaid plans can be unlocked after a contract, device financing plan, or early termination fee is paid. Unlocking a phone allows it to be used on another carrier's network. While Verizon was previously required to unlock phones automatically after 60 days, the CTIA code says carriers only have to unlock phones "upon request" from consumers. The FCC said the Verizon waiver will remain in effect until the agency "decides on an appropriate industry-wide approach for the unlocking of handsets."
The CTIA policy calls for unlocking prepaid mobile devices one year after activation, while devices on postpaid plans can be unlocked after a contract, device financing plan, or early termination fee is paid. Unlocking a phone allows it to be used on another carrier's network. While Verizon was previously required to unlock phones automatically after 60 days, the CTIA code says carriers only have to unlock phones "upon request" from consumers. The FCC said the Verizon waiver will remain in effect until the agency "decides on an appropriate industry-wide approach for the unlocking of handsets."
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Combination of being the worst offender and acquiring new spectrum.
They got a big piece of the 700-MHz band, and in exchange they had to agree to stop being assholes for a while.
Re:I don't like it, but I agree with it (Score:5, Funny)
So, now do they have to give that bandwidth slice back?
If allocations were based on the level of ass-hattery, they'd be left with one CB channel.
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So, now do they have to give that bandwidth slice back?
No, because this is a waiver (not a cancellation of the original agreement). While it seems that the waiver will be superseded by new rules about unlocking (hint: those new rules are not likely to be especially consumer friendly), it is still possible for some future commission to undo the waiver.
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as long as the checks clear the waiver flies.
Re:I don't like it, but I agree with it (Score:5, Informative)
While I don't like the whole idea of "locked" phones in the first place, it was ridiculous that Verizon was explicitly singled-out in the regulations.
Well, not really. Verizon agreed to the quick unlocking as part of their 2007 700MHz spectrum acquisition (and they really wanted that spectrum).
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It's just recisions by another name. Agree to something in principle, then later just don't do it.
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Well, on the bright side, it means We The People can use 700 MHz for whatever we want to. It's not like the FCC is ever going to enforce anything, anymore.
Re: I don't like it, but I agree with it (Score:2)
Wasn't this requirement in effect since 2007? For 18 years Verizon was treated differently than every other cellular carrier, maybe it's OK to just treat them like everyone else now?
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Why? If that was the agreement and there wasn't an end date, then that's the agreement.
If I sell you my house should I be able to come back 18 years later and tell you that you've had it long enough now so I'm kicking you out?
If the agreement was supposed to be time limited, it would have been time limited.
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The rationale for locking a phone is that the carrier needs to recoup the discount it is giving you on the phone. I bought a phone on the open market, factory unlocked, paid full price. Verizon still locked it.
Locking phones still a thing? (Score:2)
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i no longer buy locked phones. In Canada, it's a bad deal getting the phone from the provider. They charge more than buying it directly.
A samsing ffold phone might be 2400$ from samsung. Big telecoms will mark at a price saying it's 3000$. Then offer to lease it to you for 1500$ for two years, and you have to give it back, or pay the full 3000$. Also you're locked to a shitty expensive plan during that time.
They have gone directly to a two tier attack 1. Lock you to bad plan for 2 years. 2. Strictly do a se
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People are so poorly educated they'll pay double for a "free phone".
The smart move is most often to save up, buy a phone (used is fine), and go prepaid.
Odds are if you need a phone unlocked you've made a mistake in the past.
CNBC was calling people who use phones for as long as they're good "device hoarders" yesterday.
The advertisers must be getting desperate but fact is most people are broke or barely getting by.
AI bros say AI will be so useful that we better get used to 996 workweeks.
This isn't going to re
Need I say it? (Score:5, Funny)
So...much...WINNING!!
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So...much...WINNING!!
Hate to admin this, but he was right; I am tired of all the winning. /s
So... they don't have to do anything. (Score:2)
Verizon only has to comply with the CTIA trade group's voluntary unlocking policy.
Has to comply with a voluntary policy - funny.
appropriate industry-wide approach (Score:3)
This only means the companies must make the required contributions to el Bunko and THEN write the policy for the FCC to rubber stamp. The Chair-Widget has a large Rubber Stamp (with the Extra Large Ink Reservoir) in his first desk drawer for such occasions. There are extra pads in the second drawer for when the pads get worn down.
So Verizon doesn't want any new customers, got it. (Score:3)