Attorney General William Tong has expressed support for a proposed rule by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would allow consumers to switch mobile service providers while retaining their existing mobile phones. The proposed mobile phone unlocking rule would require providers to unlock devices within 60 days of activation in most cases, aiming to reduce consumer costs and confusion.
“It’s your phone. You should have the right to decide your provider. It’s that simple. Right now, mobile providers can lock your phone and bar you from switching for a better deal or better service. That’s just fundamentally unfair and anti-competitive, and it needs to stop,” stated Attorney General Tong.
In a letter sent on Friday, Attorney General Tong joined 15 other attorneys general in urging the FCC to adopt this rule. They noted frequent complaints from consumers who felt misled about wireless device offers, such as "free" cellphones that result in long-term contracts with specific providers.
The coalition argues that adopting the unlocking rule could curb manipulative practices by providers and offer several benefits:
- Reduced device costs: Currently, locked devices limit consumers' ability to trade or sell them. The new rule would lift these restrictions after 60 days, potentially lowering device prices.
- More affordable service plans: By enabling consumers to keep their phones when switching providers, the rule could foster competition among service providers, leading to more affordable plans.
- Standardized unlocking timeline: With varied standards across providers, the proposed rule would establish a uniform 60-day unlocking period, increasing transparency and reducing consumer confusion.
Joining Attorney General Tong in this initiative are attorneys general from Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.