Verizon imposes new roadblock on users trying to unlock paid-off phones

Verizon’s New Phone Unlocking Policy Sparks Outrage: 60-Day Wait, 365-Day Lock, and Consumer Backlash Intensify

In a move that has left consumers fuming and advocacy groups sounding alarms, Verizon has rolled out a controversial new phone unlocking policy that significantly tightens restrictions on when customers can unlock their devices. The changes, which took effect quietly but have now come under intense scrutiny, are being criticized as a step backward for consumer rights in an era where device portability and freedom should be paramount.

The new policy, which applies to Verizon’s flagship brand, introduces a mandatory 60-day waiting period before any device can be unlocked. But that’s just the beginning. Customers must also maintain 60 consecutive days of “paid active service” before they’re even eligible to request an unlock. To make matters worse, Verizon has imposed a 365-day lock period for phones purchased through its TracFone division and other “Verizon Value” brands, requiring a full year of paid service before an unlock can be requested.

This shift marks a stark departure from the previous FCC-mandated 60-day unlocking rule, which required carriers to unlock devices 60 days after activation, regardless of payment status. Verizon successfully petitioned the FCC to end this requirement last year, arguing that the policy was outdated and unnecessary. The FCC agreed, paving the way for carriers to impose their own unlocking terms.

But the backlash has been swift and fierce. Consumer advocacy groups, including Public Knowledge, have condemned the changes as anti-consumer and potentially predatory. John Bergmayer, legal director of Public Knowledge, told Ars Technica that he doesn’t understand why Verizon isn’t offering immediate unlocks to customers who pay their bills online. “Gift cards, sure, are a pretty high-fraud area. But most people pay their bills online with normal credit cards. It’s hard to see what is likely the most common way people pay Verizon as being somehow high-risk,” Bergmayer said.

The controversy deepens when considering Verizon’s retroactive enforcement of these new rules. In a recent case, a man sued Verizon after the company refused to unlock his iPhone, citing the new 60-day paid service requirement. The customer had purchased the phone before the policy change, and a court ruled in his favor, highlighting the legal risks Verizon faces by attempting to apply new terms to existing contracts.

The situation is further complicated by the varying policies of other major carriers. AT&T allows postpaid phones to be unlocked 60 days after purchase, provided the device is fully paid off. T-Mobile has a slightly shorter waiting period of 40 days for postpaid devices but imposes a 365-day lock for prepaid phones. Verizon’s new policy now aligns more closely with T-Mobile’s prepaid restrictions but goes further by adding the 60-day paid service requirement for its flagship brand.

Critics argue that these changes disproportionately affect low-income customers and those who rely on prepaid plans, who often face the longest lock periods. The lack of automatic unlocking for TracFone and Verizon Value customers also raises concerns about transparency and fairness, as these users must actively request an unlock after the 365-day period, with no guarantee of approval.

The timing of these changes is particularly contentious. As the wireless industry moves toward more flexible and consumer-friendly practices—such as eSIM technology and increased device portability—Verizon’s tightening of unlocking rules feels like a step in the wrong direction. Advocacy groups are urging the FCC to reconsider its decision and reinstate the 60-day unlocking requirement, arguing that it’s essential for protecting consumer rights and promoting competition.

Verizon has defended its policy, stating that the changes are necessary to combat fraud and ensure that devices are not unlocked prematurely. However, critics counter that the measures are overly restrictive and fail to account for the realities of how most customers pay their bills. With online payments and credit card transactions being the norm, the risk of fraud associated with these methods is minimal, they argue.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Verizon’s new unlocking policy has struck a nerve with consumers and advocates alike. The company now faces mounting pressure to reconsider its stance, particularly in light of legal challenges and the potential for further regulatory scrutiny. For now, customers are left navigating a more complex and restrictive landscape, with their ability to switch carriers or use their devices internationally hanging in the balance.

In an industry that thrives on innovation and connectivity, the question remains: should unlocking a phone be this hard? As Verizon and other carriers continue to shape the future of wireless service, the answer to that question could have far-reaching implications for consumers everywhere.

Tags: Verizon, phone unlocking, FCC, consumer rights, TracFone, AT&T, T-Mobile, wireless carriers, device portability, fraud prevention, prepaid plans, eSIM, consumer advocacy, Public Knowledge, legal challenges, wireless industry, device freedom, carrier policies, online payments, credit card fraud, regulatory scrutiny.

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