Verizon wants to keep your phone locked up longer, and a bunch of consumer groups are saying “hell no.” The FCC is currently mulling over Verizon’s request to extend the 60-day handset unlocking period, and it’s stirring up a whole lotta debate.
The core of the issue? Verizon argues that unlocking phones too quickly contributes to fraud and device trafficking. They claim that people buy phones, then rapidly switch carriers, leading to losses. They also suggest unlocked phones are easier for international criminal organizations to exploit. Verizon wants to lock phones for at least six months, forcing customers to stick with their plan longer.
But a coalition of groups like Public Knowledge, Consumer Reports, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation are pushing back hard. They argue that phone locking distorts competition, raises costs, and creates unnecessary e-waste. They claim it prevents consumers from switching to better deals and reduces the availability of used devices.
A major point of contention is Verizon’s fraud argument. Critics point out that other carriers also experience fraud, even with longer locking periods. They say Verizon hasn’t provided solid evidence that extending the lock period will actually prevent fraud. Plus, they argue that Verizon already has tools to fight fraud during the current 60-day window.
Interestingly, Verizon’s request has garnered support from police unions, who believe locked phones make it easier to track devices used in criminal investigations.
Verizon is trying to capitalize on the current FCC leadership’s desire to loosen telecom regulations. They originally agreed to the 60-day unlock policy as part of a spectrum access deal and a merger. By getting the FCC to change the rules, they could essentially force customers to remain loyal to their network for longer periods.
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