The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a new rule that would require carriers and wireless providers to unlock newly purchased phones within 60 days of activation. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted the need for consumers to have the freedom to switch providers with their devices.

Here are some key points regarding phone unlocking policies:

– T-Mobile’s pre-paid Metro unit recently extended its phone unlocking waiting period from 180 days to 365 days.
– Metro’s policy aligns with a previous agreement between T-Mobile and the FCC following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint.
– Chairwoman Rosenworcel expressed her preference for T-Mobile to reduce the unlocking time for its prepaid units to match Metro’s previous policy of 180 days.
– Postpaid subscribers of T-Mobile can unlock their phones after 40 days, provided they have fulfilled certain conditions.

Other wireless providers have varying unlocking policies:

– Verizon automatically unlocks phones after 60 days for both postpaid and prepaid customers.
– AT&T has specific criteria for unlocking phones, including a waiting period, active service rule, and account status requirements.

The FCC is currently seeking public feedback on the proposed 60-day unlocking period. Unlocking a phone allows consumers the flexibility to switch between wireless providers without restrictions. Stay tuned for updates on this developing issue.