Verizon Seeks to End 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule, Igniting Industry Debate
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to rule on a Verizon petition that could dramatically alter mobile phone unlocking policies, potentially impacting consumers and the resale market. The carrier is seeking to waive the current 60-day unlocking requirement and establish its own terms, a move that has sparked debate among industry stakeholders and consumer advocates.
Verizon currently unlocks mobile phones after 60 days of use, offering customers the flexibility to switch carriers or utilize eSIM technology for secondary services. However, the company now argues this policy is no longer equitable, particularly as competitors have different unlocking timelines. In May, Verizon formally petitioned the FCC, requesting the ability to align its unlocking policies with other major carriers.
Initial public comment periods have closed, but the FCC is reportedly allowing further responses to recent submissions. As first reported by Chris Price via Reddit, responses have been varied. While T-Mobile and AT&T have remained silent on the matter, Dish Network – the parent company of Boost Mobile – has officially voiced its support for a standardized, national unlocking policy.
“There should be one national unlock policy that uniformly applies to all carriers with no exceptions,” Dish stated in its official comment to the FCC. This position reflects a concern that a patchwork of unlocking rules could create an uneven playing field. Conversely, seven state attorneys general have reportedly argued that Verizon should retain the autonomy to determine its own unlocking timeframe.
The potential ramifications of this change extend beyond Verizon customers. Experts suggest a shift could reduce the number of unlocked devices available on the resale market, potentially driving up prices for consumers seeking carrier-free phones. This is particularly concerning given the increasing demand for unlocked devices and the growing popularity of eSIM technology.
The current 60-day unlocking policy originated from an agreement between the FCC and Verizon in 2007, coinciding with Verizon’s acquisition of 700MHz spectrum. The agreement was later reaffirmed during Verizon’s 2021 acquisition of Tracfone. Verizon’s motivation for seeking a change now appears to be linked to increased competition in the mobile market.
“Verizon likely feels it needs all the help it can get in retaining customers,” one analyst noted, pointing to T-Mobile’s recent gains in market share. Verizon recently reported a loss of 51,000 customers in the second quarter of 2025, further fueling speculation that the carrier is seeking ways to improve customer retention.
While Verizon has not specified a desired unlocking timeframe, the lack of clear limitations in its petition raises concerns. Although the carrier is unlikely to lock phones indefinitely, the potential for an extended unlocking period – potentially exceeding the one-year policy currently employed by Dish for prepaid devices – remains a possibility.
The debate highlights a broader tension between carrier control and consumer freedom. While some argue that carriers should have the flexibility to manage their own policies, others emphasize the importance of a standardized approach to ensure fair access to unlocked devices. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the issue on July 24, but the agency’s recent openness to further comments suggests the decision may be nuanced and carefully considered.
Consumers who wish to voice their opinion can submit comments through the ECFS Express Comment System, referencing proceedings/docket numbers 24-186 and 21-112. Further details on the submission process are available via Reddit.
