White House Urges Reversal of Ban On Cell-Phone Unlocking

[wraggster]

"In a dramatic call for action directly prompted by 114,000 signatures (http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/02/21/1519235/white-house-petition-to-make-unlocking-phones-legal-passes-100000-signatures) on a 'We the People' petition, the Obama Administration moments ago urged the reversal of a federal regulatory decision that had rendered the act of unlocking a cell phone illegal. From the reply: 'The White House agrees with the 114,000+ of you who believe that consumers should be able to unlock their cell phones (http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/white-house-urges-reversal-ban-cell-phone-unlocking) without risking criminal or other penalties. In fact, we believe the same principle should also apply to tablets, which are increasingly similar to smart phones. And if you have paid for your mobile device, and aren't bound by a service agreement or other obligation, you should be able to use it on another network. It's common sense, crucial for protecting consumer choice, and important for ensuring we continue to have the vibrant, competitive wireless market that delivers innovative products and solid service to meet consumers' needs.' Statements from the FCC and Library of Congress indicate that they back the administration's position.

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/03/04/1942235/white-house-urges-reversal-of-ban-on-cell-phone-unlocking