{mosads}Under a decision issued by the Library of Congress last year, carriers can prevent their customers from using their devices on other carriers’ networks.
But NTIA said the FCC should use its regulatory powers to allow carriers to unlock devices.
“A lawful recipient of a wireless device should be able to benefit from the proposed unlocking requirement,” the agency wrote.
The commission declined to comment on the petition, but Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn touched on the unlocking issue during a Thursday speech at a Competitive Carriers Association event.
“I am on record as supporting policies that enable consumers to lawfully unlock their mobile telephones so they can seamlessly move from one carrier to another,” Clyburn said to the group of cellphone carriers. “While wireless carriers should be able to enforce their valid customer contracts, unlocking provisions, need to be grounded in common sense, and practical application.”
The Commerce petition was applauded by House Judiciary Committee members who support Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) cellphone unlocking bill, which advanced out of committee in July.
“We applaud NTIA’s recognition of the need to restore the exemption that permits consumers to unlock their cell phones and other mobile devices without the approval of their wireless provider,” Goodlate, ranking member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Howard Coble (R-N.C,), Mel Watt (D-N.C.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said in a statement.
“This is an issue of consumer choice and flexibility, plain and simple,” the group of lawmakers said. “We are appreciative of the support of groups like NTIA and we will all continue working to see that this issue of significant importance to most Americans is addressed.”
But CTIA – The Wireless Association, which represents cellphone carriers, said the mobile device network is already working well for consumers.
“The U.S. wireless marketplace is delivering tremendous value to consumers, in the form of high-end and affordable devices, post- and pre-paid options, and with the world’s most advanced devices being launched first in the United States,” the group said.
In an earlier blog post, the industry group outlined the technical limitations around unlocked cellphones.
“An unlocked phone doesn’t necessarily mean an interoperable phone, or one that you can take to any carrier that you want,” CTIA said.