Consumer Advocates Push for Phone Unlocking Condition in T-Mobile’s Mint Mobile Acquisition

According to Fierce Wireless, four consumer advocacy groups, including Consumer Reports, Public Knowledge, Benton Institute, and the Open Technology Institute at New America, are urging the FCC to impose a special phone unlocking condition on T-Mobile’s planned acquisition of Mint Mobile. This condition would require T-Mobile to unlock all devices 60 days after they are activated on its network.

The consumer groups argue that for devices that do not automatically unlock after 60 days, customers should have the option to manually unlock their devices after the same time period. They emphasize that T-Mobile should provide clear and easy-to-follow instructions for manual unlocking. These groups are requesting that this condition be implemented within 30 days of the closure of T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint and its affiliate brands.

Advocates have long been advocating for unlocked smartphones by default, making it easier for consumers to switch carriers. Locked phones can particularly impact low-income customers who may not be able to afford a new phone when switching providers.

It is noteworthy that T-Mobile is currently following the unlocking requirements related to the Department of Justice’s final judgment in its acquisition of Sprint. This means that devices on a postpaid account will only be unlocked after fulfilling the terms of the postpaid service contract or completing the financing plan for the device.

As part of its ongoing efforts to expand its market presence, T-Mobile has agreed with Ka’ena Corporation to acquire Mint Mobile and its affiliate brands, Ultra Mobile and Plum. The regulatory approval for this deal is still pending.

Once concluded, all acquired brands will be operated as separate subsidiaries under T-Mobile US, with actor Ryan Reynolds remaining as Mint brand champion as per T-Mobile’s announcement.