The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones to be able to switch carriers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The agency voted unanimously on Thursday to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to make mobile service providers unlock customers\u2019 phones within 60 days of activation. The proposal is at an early stage \u2014 the notice of proposed rulemaking begins a public comment period before a lengthy process of drafting and revising the rule \u2014 but the FCC hopes it will boost consumer choice and competition among mobile service providers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The commissioners are seeking comment on whether the proposed rule should apply to existing or future service contracts and how it could impact smaller mobile service providers and resellers if more phones become available on the secondary market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Waiting periods and unlocking requirements vary between carriers, which the FCC\u00a0said in a press release<\/a>\u00a0creates confusion for customers.\u00a0AT&T, for example<\/a>, says customers can unlock their phones within 60 days of activation\u00a0if they\u2019ve paid off their phone in full or completed their payment plan.\u00a0Boost Mobile says<\/a>\u00a0it will unlock phones once a customer\u00a0completes their payments for the phone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The FCC also voted on several other initiatives during its July open meeting. Among them, it voted to approve final rules to let schools and libraries access federal E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots<\/a> to students, school staff, and library patrons. This is part of Chair Jessica Rosenworcel\u2019s efforts to close the digital divide by expanding the E-Rate program, which gives schools and libraries discounts on internet and telecommunications services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n