White House Approves Unlocking of Cell Phones; Bill Introduced in Congress

Responding to more than 114,000 Americans who signed an Internet petition at the White House website, the Obama administration has stated its support for federal legislation to reverse an agency decision that made it illegal for consumers to unlock their cell phones. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) has introduced a bill—the Wireless Consumer Choice Act—allowing consumers to unlock their cell phones without carrier permission. Unlocking allows a cell phone to be used on the network of more than one carrier, which means a cell phone owner can switch carriers or use a U.S. phone abroad.

“It’s common sense, crucial for protecting consumer choice, and important for ensuring we continue to have the vibrant, competitive wireless market that delivers innovative products and solid service to meet consumers’ needs,” wrote White House aide R. David Eldelman. “Consumers should have flexibility and choice when it comes to their wireless service and they deserve to keep and use cell phones they have already purchased,” Klobuchar said in a statement.

source @ http://www.allgov.com/news/controversies/white-house-approves-unlocking-of-cell-phones-bill-introduced-in-congress-130310?news=849374