The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones so they can switch carriers.
On Thursday, the agency voted unanimously to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require wireless carriers to unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation. The proposal is in an early stage — the notice of proposed rulemaking kicks off a public comment period before a lengthy rule-writing and review process — but the FCC hopes it will boost consumer choice and competition among wireless carriers.
Commissioners are seeking comments on whether the proposed rule should apply to existing or future service contracts, and how it might affect smaller wireless carriers and resellers if more phones become available on the secondary market.
Waiting periods and unlocking requirements vary between carriers, according to the FCC. said in a press release It creates confusion for customers. AT&T, for examplesays customers can unlock their phones within 60 days of activation if they have paid for the phone in full or completed their payment plan. Boost Mobile says It will unlock the phones once the customer completes their payments for the phone.
The FCC also voted on several other initiatives during its July open meeting. Among them, it voted to approve final rules to allow schools and libraries to Access federal E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots For students, school staff and library users. This is part of President Jessica Rosenworcel's efforts to close the digital divide by expanding the E-Rate program, which offers schools and libraries discounts on Internet and telecommunications services.
The agency also approved rules for Reducing the cost of calls to the prison and banning certain fees that increase prices for incarcerated people trying to communicate with loved ones. The per-minute price for audio calls, for example, will be capped at six cents instead of 14 cents in jails, and at seven cents instead of 21 cents in mid-size jails. It also sets rate caps for video calls ranging from 11 to 25 cents depending on the type or size of the jail or prison.