Unlocking Smartphones Illegal After 1/25/13

[sledge007]

White House says 'it's time to legalize cell phone unlocking' in official petition response | The Verge

The White House agrees with the 114,000 signees.

 

[androidluvr2]

at least not without root and modifying the apn manually.

Is this legal?

 

[dpham00]

Is this legal?

That would be up to the courts to decide. But that is the case for a number of phones.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

 

[androidluvr2]

That would be up to the courts to decide.

well, sure. Anyhow, I googled it, it is section C if you want to read it:

http://www.copyright.gov/fedreg/2012/77fr65260.pdf

I don't like it, but in the case of a subsidized phone purchase, I can see why it is fair at least until the subsidy is recouped by the end of the contract. If the phone purchase was not subsidized or the contract has run out, it is unfair.

 

[TBolt]

Yep, I was pleased when I got the White House email. At least someone is sticking up for the consumer a little bit -- these wireless carriers think they own us.

 

[androidluvr2]

At least someone is sticking up for the consumer a little bit -- these wireless carriers think they own us.

While I hate the oligopoly the carriers have, this particular issue should be blamed on Congress for enacting an overly broad law. The carriers aren't doing anything wrong if they support that the law be enforced whereas Congress could enact an exemption for carrier unlocking a mobile phone. Write your congressperson to urge them to act.