The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones to be able to switch carriers.
The agency voted unanimously on Thursday to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to make mobile service providers unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation. The proposal is at an early stage — the notice of proposed rulemaking begins a public comment period before a lengthy process of drafting and revising the rule — but the FCC hopes it will boost consumer choice and competition among mobile service providers.
The commissioners are seeking comment on whether the proposed rule should apply to existing or future service contracts and how it could impact smaller...
