FCC Proposes New Rule to Unlock Phones for Users

TapTechNews June 28th, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a new rule, requiring carriers to unlock users' iPhones or Android smartphones within 60 days of activating the phone. This is aimed to help users change carriers more easily and thus promote market competition.

It is well known that carriers promote iPhone 'locked phones' through contracts or subsidies, and the phone may be 'locked' if it tries to use the physical SIM card or eSIM card of other carriers.

To change carriers, these users must first apply to the existing carrier to unlock the phone. Currently, there is no regulation on the processing time for carriers to unlock phones, and that is what the FCC hopes to address. The chairperson of the commission, Rosenworcel, said,

True competition requires transparency and consistency. Therefore, we propose to set clear, national rules for phone unlocking. When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to choose to change carriers instead of being unable to make a choice because the device is locked...

The FCC's new rule is publicly soliciting public opinions and requires all carriers to unlock phones 60 days after users activate their devices. Carriers and other relevant parties will be invited to discuss the proposal. If the FCC does not accept opposing opinions, the rule will take effect soon, and TapTechNews will continue to follow up.