FCC Encourages Congress to Consider Legislative Solution to Cell Phone Unlocking

The FCC has announced that it is examining the decision by the Library of Congress to make unlocking cell phones illegal.

Here is an official statement released by the FCC today on the issue.

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The following statement is attributable to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski: “The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress recently reversed its longstanding position and stated it is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for consumers to unlock new mobile phones, even those outside of contract periods, without their wireless providers’ permission, and that consumers are subject to criminal penalties if they do.


"From a communications policy perspective, this raises serious competition and innovation concerns, and for wireless consumers, it doesn't pass the common sense test. The FCC is examining this issue, looking into whether the agency, wireless providers, or others should take action to preserve consumers' ability to unlock their mobile phones. I also encourage Congress to take a close look and consider a legislative solution."
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The White House has also declared "It's Time to Make Cell Phone Unlocking Legal".

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