Obama Gives Smartphone Users the Freedom to Unlock their Devices

Share This Post

The President has signed a bill into law that allows American citizens to legally unlock their phones. That means you can take your mobile device, no matter which carrier subsidized it, and move with it to a competing carrier.

Unlocking phones was made illegal in January of 2013, when an exemption to the DMCA expired. The bi-partisan bill was passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives, after already being approved by the Senate.

There is bit of a catch: the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, as it’s called, is valid only through 2015. For now, it ensures you have a choice in matters of your mobile device, as long as your phone is compatible with another carrier’s network and you’ve complied with your previous contract. And even if you don’t fancy yourself as technologically savvy, the bill allows you to seek outside help.

It’s been a long journey to get to this point. About a year ago, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) filed a petition urging the FCC to make a ruling that would require carriers to unlock phones and tablets at the customer’s request. While most carriers have been kind about unlocking devices, tools for consumers to unlock those phones and tablets themselves were considered illegal.

So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and be free! At least until the next time this exemption expires.

Stay Ahead: Join the EwtNet Insider Email Club!

Stay informed and up-to-date with EwtNet's email subscription. Join our exclusive community and receive curated news, updates, and insights tailored to your interests.

Related Posts

US spy court appoints lawyers to panel of advisers

Under the USA Freedom Act, the panel is to...

Facebook is facing a law suit. Reason? Scanning user’s Messages

From the revelation that Facebook scans through its user's...

How to Configure Wi-Fi Hotspot on Samsung, Xiaomi, Infinix Smartphones & Android Devices

Follow this step to step guide to learn how you can configure Wi-Fi Hotspot in Samsung, Tecno, Infinix and other Android smartphones

Sweden Government Unwilling to Place Ban on The Pirate Bay

After one month of intense debate, a Swedish court...

Sony Xperia Z2 – Review, Spec & Images

Sony's smartphones rarely get the credit they deserve in...

Huawei Ascend G6 4G smart phone Review and Spec

Earlier this week one of the leading leading global information...
- Advertisement -