Understanding you can act on
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| Published: | 2014-Mar-01 |
| Last Updated: | 2014-Mar-25 |
| Principal Writer: | Barry Shatzman |
 | Understanding The Issue |
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Unlocking Technology Act
2013 (HR-1892)
Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act2013 (S-517)
Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act2013 (HR-1123)
Digital Millennium Copyright Act1998 (HR-2281)
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Our thoughts
We believe that anything that's better for the overwhelming majority of Americans probably is worth supporting. The Unlocking Technology Act (HR-1892) would have done that.
It would have provided consumers with an option they currently do not have - to buy a used phone that can access any carrier's network at a much lower price than a new unlocked phone. That competition could also reduce prices manufacturers charge for new unlocked phones.
It also could further encourage carriers to offer lower-cost service to those who use a phone they already own.
Another thing...
Although you legally can unlock your cell phone, your carrier has no obligation to help you do so.
Once you have ended your contractual obligation to your carrier (either by finishing out the term or paying a contract termination fee), you effectively have paid the full price for your phone, and you own it. Yet it may be of limited value to you if it will work only with one carrier's network.
A law that would require carriers to allow you to unlock a phone for both domestic and international use - as long as you have no contractual obligations to the carrier - could only help you.
What beyond copyright protection is needed?
The intent of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was to prevent infringements on copyrighted material or protected works.
We do not see how any law that restricts what you can do with your device, yet has nothing to do with copyrights, serves your best interests.
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