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U.S. Copyright Office Lifts Restrictions on Cell Phone Unlocking

6:30 am on December 8, 2006 | Category: Cell Phones, Mobile Devices, Regulation, Wireless

A recent decision by the U.S. Copyright Office has made it that much easier for customers to switch wireless service providers, while keeping their existing handsets.

Officials have declared that it will no longer be possible to prosecute customers under the copyright act for unlocking a cellular phone, or paying someone else to do so, provided that they own the handset and arenâ€™t under a contract or service agreement. The decision will be valid for three years, and may be renewed again upon its expiry.

This is great news for customers, as it gives them the freedom to pick the best plan from the best provider, without having to buy a costly new cell phone. Most wireless carriers wonâ€™t be happy about it, however, especially since it allows independent entrepreneurs to sell unlocking codes without fear of legal reprisals.

With the highly competitive nature of todayâ€™s cell phone industry, unlocking services have become an increasingly big business over the last few years. Unlocking is already completely legal and readily available in Canada and most parts of Europe.

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