CONNECTICUT, USA — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong advocates for a proposed Federal Communications Commission rule allowing consumers to switch mobile service providers while keeping their existing phones.
If the rule is adopted, it would require providers to unlock mobile devices within 60 days of activation. This would make it easier for consumers to switch providers without incurring extra costs or confusion.
In a letter sent to the FCC, Tong joined 15 other state attorneys general arguing that consumers often face deceptive practices, such as being misled into long-term contracts through “free” phone offers. Tong criticized mobile providers for locking phones, which can limit a consumer choice and fosters anti-competitive practices.
“This is about fairness. Your phone is yours, and you should be able to choose your provider without being tied down,” said Tong, in a release. “Unlocking phones creates competition, lowers costs, and offers consumers a clearer path to better deals.”
This proposed rule would standardize the unlocking process across all providers, creating a 60-day unlocking timeline in most cases. This change could reduce device costs and allow for more affordable service plans as consumers gain the flexibility to switch providers more easily.
Tong believes the rule would benefit consumers and improve market transparency, empowering them to make better decisions in a competitive environment.
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