A PYMNTS Company

US: Unlocking your smartphones: how will wireless cos respond?

By  |  March 4, 2013
US: Unlocking your smartphones: how will wireless cos respond?

The White House has come out in support of legalizing the practice of “unlocking” smartphones, meaning consumers can use their smartphone on any network, noting that its legalization is “common sense” and vital to ensure “the vibrant, competitive wireless market” in the nation. The remarks were made by R. David Edelman, a White House senior advisor. The White House’s support comes weeks after the Digital Millennium Copyright Act went into effect January 26 of this year. The Act makes unlocking cell phones illegal. In response, a petition was posted with 114,322 votes in favor of legalizing the practice. Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Julius Genachowski, however, expressed concern over how the legalization of unlocking phones would affect competition within the wireless market, arguing it raises “serious competition and innovation concerns.”

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

     

    Full Content: CBS News

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.