Verizon asks the FCC to end to its phone unlocking requirements

telcodad

Verizon tries to get out of merger condition requiring it to unlock phones
Verizon wants to escape promises it made in exchange for merger and spectrum.
By Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica - May 21, 2025
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/verizon-tries-to-get-out-of-merger-condition-requiring-it-to-unlock-phones/

Verizon petitioned the Trump administration to let it lock phones to its network for longer periods of time, making it harder for customers to switch to other carriers.

There are two rules that require Verizon to unlock phones more quickly than other major carriers. Verizon agreed to both rules and gained significant benefits in return—first in 2008 when it purchased licenses to use 700 MHz spectrum that came with open access requirements and in 2021 when it agreed to merger conditions in order to obtain approval for its purchase of TracFone. …..

Also on Light Reading:

Verizon asks for an end to its phone unlocking requirements
The FCC requires Verizon to unlock its phones after 60 days, but the operator is asking for a waiver of the rule, saying it is outdated and illogical.
By Mike Dano, Editorial Director, Light Reading - May 21, 2025
https://www.lightreading.com/smartphones-devices/verizon-asks-for-an-end-to-its-phone-unlocking-requirements

Verizon is officially asking for a waiver of the FCC’s phone unlocking requirements. “Given the substantial and growing harms to consumers, competition and Verizon from this obligation – and the lack of offsetting benefits – the commission should waive this rule,” the operator wrote.

Verizon faces phone unlocking requirements stemming from its acquisition of 700MHz spectrum in 2008, and also from conditions the FCC placed on the operator’s acquisition of prepaid provider TracFone in 2021. The requirements mean that when a customer buys a phone from Verizon it’s locked to Verizon’s network for 60 days, so that they can only use it with a Verizon SIM card. After 60 days, Verizon automatically unlocks the phone, allowing that customer to use their phone on another carrier’s network. …

egeezer

telcodad Given the substantial and growing harms to consumers, competition and Verizon from this obligation

I fail to see the harm to consumers by unlocking the phones they paid for, or how unlocking could harm competition. As for harm to Verizon, they would actually have to convince people that they are better than the competition.

OmegaWolf747

It’s just greed, plain and simple.

px_eliezer_

egeezer I fail to see the harm to consumers by unlocking the phones they paid for, or how unlocking could harm competition. As for harm to Verizon, they would actually have to convince people that they are better than the competition.

Verizon’s POV is that they sell these phones at a discount, in return for which the customer is expected to stick around for at least some respectable time.

I am NOT a shill for Verizon but I see their point.

If phones can be unlocked after just 60 days, Verizon’s response may just be to stop selling them at discounted prices.

As for myself, I never buy locked phones from any major carrier, nor do I even use any major carrier directly.

SLC_96

Removing the 60 day lock limit will harm dual sim customers who want to use a second line with an international carrier while traveling.

egeezer

px_eliezer_ Verizon’s POV is that they sell these phones at a discount, in return for which the customer is expected to stick around for at least some respectable time.

I thought the phone purchase discount was linked to subscribing to their service for a contracted time, and there would be a penalty or payout to VZW if the customer changed service before the end of the contract. But then, I’m not a VZW customer, so I don’t know the T&Cs for the “free/cheap phone” deals they tout in their ads.

I don’t buy locked phones either. I do have service with one of the bigger carriers.

InternetJeff

I can’t remember the last time I bought a locked phone

Donut417

Bought my iPhone 16 pro directly from Apple. I dont buy locked phones or buy from carriers.

px_eliezer_

egeezer I thought the phone purchase discount was linked to subscribing to their service for a contracted time, and there would be a penalty or payout to VZW if the customer changed service before the end of the contract.

If the phone is locked, it’s that much easier for VZW to enforce the contract.

Same principle as a chastity belt.