Statement of Assistant Secretary Davidson on the FCC’s Proposal to Unlock Cell Phones

WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted on a proposal that would require mobile providers to unlock customers’ cell phones within 60 days of activation. NTIA has advocated for such a policy for over a decade, both with the Library of Congress and the FCC.

The following statement can be attributed to Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator:

“Consumers should not be locked into a wireless network simply because of how they bought their phones. The ability of consumers to easily take their existing phone to a new network provider will result in greater competition in the wireless marketplace. That’s a win for everyone and I applaud the FCC for kicking off this important rulemaking.”

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration    

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.