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FCC lets Verizon lock phones for longer, making it harder to switch carriers
The FCC granted Verizon a waiver to follow the CTIA code, citing 784,703 devices lost to fraud in 2023 and allowing longer phone lock periods to combat theft.
- On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission granted Verizon a waiver allowing it to follow the CTIA Consumer Code instead of the 60-day unlocking requirement.
- After acquiring TracFone in 2021, Verizon argued fraud surged, saying it lost 784,703 devices to fraud in 2023 due to globalized 4G and 5G markets.
- CTIA's Consumer Code specifies unlocking prepaid devices about one year after activation and postpaid phones after contract payoff; AT&T unlocks prepaid after six months, T‑Mobile after one year or $100 in refills.
- Consumers may now face longer waits or earlier payoffs to move Verizon-purchased phones to other carriers, while locked devices block eSIM use and reduce resale market benefits.
- Advocates point to litigation and critics' warnings as consumer and privacy groups oppose the waiver, citing `arbitrage` risks and a recent Kansas ruling favoring Patrick Roach.
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FCC Moves to Shut Down Smartphone 'Unlocking' Loophole Exploited by Criminal Networks
The FCC voted this week to close a loophole that allows criminals to more easily profit from stolen smartphones — fueling retail theft and strengthening organized crime networks involved in trafficking devices.
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Conservative Angle
Conservative AngleTrump’s FCC Closes Loophole Allowing Criminal Access to High-End Burner Phones.
PULSE POINTSWHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday a significant change to a 2007 phone unlocking rule, which it says has inadvertently aided criminal enterprises that wish to use higher-end devices as difficult-to-trace burner phones.WHO WAS INVOLVED: The FCC, Verizon, TracFone, and criminal organizations, including drug cartels.WHEN & WHERE: The rule change was announced on Monday, January 12, 2026.KEY Q…
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 17%
C 50%
R 33%
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