NTIA Petition for Rulemaking on Unlocking of Mobile Devices

NTIA respectfully petitions the Federal Communications Commission to commence a rulemaking to add a new section to Part 20 of the Commission’s rules and regulations. The rule sought by this petition would require a provider of certain commercial mobile services, upon request, to unlock any wireless device furnished by that provider, so that the requesting person may use that device in conjunction with another lawfully obtained commercial mobile service. By giving consumers greater freedom to choose among alternative mobile service providers and use wireless devices that they lawfully acquire from others, the proposed rule would both increase competition in the mobile services market and enhance consumer welfare. Consequently, its adoption would plainly promote the public interest.