Consumers Union sent letters to the FCC commissioners...
Consumers Union sent letters to the FCC commissioners and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Tuesday urging further action to override a Jan. 26 ruling by the Copyright Office that effectively made it illegal to unlock new phones (http://1.usa.gov/ZaI6qS).…
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“We have been very concerned that, as a result of the Copyright Office’s decision, the practice of unlocking is no longer protected, and now could be deemed a violation of copyright law, potentially subjecting consumers even to criminal prosecution,” the letters said. “In our view, consumers should be able use the mobile devices they have purchased as they see fit. For example, they should be permitted, where feasible, to adapt their mobile device for use abroad with a foreign carrier. They should be permitted to sell or give a mobile device they own to someone else, to be adapted for use with the carrier of the new owner’s choice. And they should be able to obtain an unlocked mobile device themselves, and adapt it for use with the carrier of their choice. All of these uses make sense for consumers, and all should be legal and available.” Legislation was introduced in the House and Senate last month making it possible for consumers to unlock their phones and not face fines or prison. The letters were signed by George Solver, CU’s senior policy counsel.