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March 4, 2013 Print Preview

U.S. Offers a Variety of Unlocked Devices: Your Choice

There continues to be some interest in unlocked devices. While I have already explained what the Library of Congress’ October 2012 decision meant for consumers, it appears there is still confusion on this matter.

As I said in a statement released this afternoon:

“The Librarian of Congress concluded that an exemption was not necessary because the largest nationwide carriers have liberal, publicly available unlocking policies, and because unlocked phones are freely available in the marketplace — many at low prices.

“Customers have numerous options when purchasing mobile devices. They may choose to purchase devices at full price with no lock, or at a substantially discounted price – typically hundreds of dollars less than the full price – by signing a contract with a carrier. When the contract terms are satisfied, or for a reason that is included in the carrier’s unlocking policy – such as a trip outside the U.S. – carriers will unlock a phone at their customer’s request.”

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But for those of you who may be interested in an unlocked device so that you may take it wherever, whenever you want, we've developed a list of some of the available unlocked devices and where you may purchase them. There are almost 200 unique devices available today:

10 Responses to “U.S. Offers a Variety of Unlocked Devices: Your Choice” Leave a reply ›

Timothy J McNeely March 4, 2013

You could have fought for an exemption for the customers who use these phones. You decidedd to turn us into criminals instead.

Please don't tell me that the carriers have liberal unlock policies..they don't. I've tried!

Thanks for turning me into a criminal. I look forward to 5 years in jail a 500k fine.

I hope you are proud of what you have done.

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Brandon Anderson March 5, 2013

No one's confused, Michael, your attempt to pull the wool over people's eyes with absolutely untrue talk of "liberal, publicly available unlocking policies" is a disastrous failure.

Hence 100,000 signatures for the White House petition opposing your position (Is that what you meant by "some interest"?). Compare that with about 40 likes on Facebook for your condescending nonsense about the enforcement of anti-competitive software locks actually making "our streets just a little bit safer".

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Scott March 13, 2013

This is a very false augment - where is the DISCOUNTED price a subscriber will pay if they pay full price for a device?

The carriers like to complain about device subsidies, but provide no incentive to people to provide their own device, while saying virtually nobody brings their own device .... why should they if the monthly service cost is the same?

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