Overview
- The FCC granted Verizon a waiver ending automatic unlocking 60 days after activation, applying to phones activated after the order’s release.
- Under the waiver, Verizon must adhere to the CTIA Consumer Code, which unlocks postpaid phones once contracts or financing are fulfilled and unlocks prepaid devices after one year upon customer request.
- The agency cited handset theft and trafficking as key reasons, noting Verizon’s report of roughly 784,703 devices lost to fraud in 2023 and support from law-enforcement groups.
- Consumer advocates including Public Knowledge, EFF, Consumer Reports, and iFixit opposed the petition, arguing the change will hinder switching, reduce resale and reuse, and has not been shown to curb fraud.
- The FCC declined to impose a 180-day cap and said the waiver will remain until it sets an industry-wide approach, while confirming that already-activated Verizon phones are unaffected.