BOSTON – A coalition of 16 attorneys general, including Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, have called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to pass a proposed rule that would create more freedom for consumers to switch mobile service providers.
The rule, if passed, would requires all providers to unlock devices within 60 days of purchase in most circumstances.
In a letter to the FCC on Friday, Nov. 22, the coalition of attorneys general said that each of their offices receive complaints consistently about what they claim is misinformation or deception from service providers, including offers offering free phones.
According to the letter, consumers say those offers lure them into contracts with service providers for lengthy time periods.
“Inconsistent policies and arbitrary timelines across carriers have made purchasing a mobile phone and choosing a service provider all too confusing and expensive for consumers,” said Campbell. “By adopting this rule, and creating a more uniform unlocking standard, the Federal Communications Commission has an opportunity to empower consumers, foster competition and increase choice in the wireless marketplace.”
The letter asks the FCC to pass the unlocking rule. According to Campbell’s office, the rule would:
- Reduced device costs: Currently, consumers may struggle to trade in their devices to other wireless providers or sell their mobile phones on the secondary market if the device is still locked by a provider. The proposed rule would lift these restrictions after 60 days in most circumstances, increasing the supply of devices available for purchase at a lower cost.
- More affordable service provider plans. By allowing consumers to keep their mobile phones and switch to a new provider, the proposed rule would create more competition between service providers and thus create the opportunity for more affordable service plans.
- Standardized 60-day unlocking timeline across all providers. Mobile service providers have a variety of standards for unlocking mobile phones. The proposed rule would set clear standards for all providers. This would create transparency for consumers and reduce confusion about when consumers can pursue another service that may better meet their needs.
