You Can Now Legally Unlock your Mobile Phones To Use On Other Network Carriers

Unlocking a mobile phone is vital for consumers who want to take their devices to other carriers. That’s why most devices sold in the U.S.A through wireless operators (such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon) have a software lock on them which disallows them from being used on another wireless operator’s network. 

For example, if you want to end your contract with AT&T, and want to move your phone to T-Mobile, you’ll need to unlock your mobile phone to do so. Likewise, if you travel internationally with a tethered mobile phone, you’ll pay expensive roaming charges to your locked carrier (AT &T) unless you unlock the phone so that it can be used with a local wireless network carrier’s SIM.

Understanding the necessity of consumers, the U.S. House of Representatives approved to give consumers the right to 'unlock' their mobile phones and use them on competitors' wireless networks.

"The bill Congress passed today is another step toward giving ordinary Americans more flexibility and choice, so that they can find a cell phone carrier that meets their needs and their budget," Obama said.

Major wireless carriers, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Inc., Sprint Corp, and T-Mobile struck a voluntary agreement with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to make it uncomplicated for mobile users to unlock their phones after contracts expire.

"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," said Michael Altschul (legal counsel for the CTIA)

For more information, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/25/obama-phone-unlock_n_5622071.html