Free Press Action Fund Praises Congressional Response on Cellphone Unlocking
WASHINGTON -- On Thursday, Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Mike Lee and Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill to restore wireless users' ability to “unlock” their phones, tablets or other devices. Wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers use software locks to keep people from using their devices on another network — even when such use would not violate any contract between the carrier and the customer.
Sen. Ron Wyden also introduced a bill this week, and several other members have announced similar plans in response to the White House's call on Monday for legislation to legalize unlocking. The Free Press Action Fund supports such protections, and urged Congress to act swiftly in the wake of the White House statement.
Free Press Action Fund Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
“We are pleased that so many members of Congress have risen to the administration's challenge and recognized the need to free our phones. Wireless customers should be able to unlock and use their devices without fear of criminal penalties. Senators Blumenthal, Klobuchar and Lee have marked out one path for fixing this problem. We look forward to working with them, Senator Wyden and others dedicated to promoting consumer choice and freedom.”
