FCC says Verizon can lock phones to its network for 60 days after purchase

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg

The Federal Communications Commission has granted Verizon permission to keep newly purchased phones locked to its network for a period of 60 days. As a result, the leading US carrier says it will soon do exactly that, claiming it’s meant to prevent fraud and identity theft. “After the 60 day period the phones will unlock automatically,” said Ronan Dunne, executive vice president at Verizon. “That means, fraudsters who order and steal phones — clearly with no intention of ever paying for them will have a much harder time.” Verizon plans to implement the 60-day lock “very soon.”

If you’re wondering why Verizon needs this permission in the first place, it dates back to the FCC’s 2008 auction of 700MHz spectrum, which saw Verizon come away...

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