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A new era of choice for cell phone users has begun, as all nationwide
service providers have fully implemented policies that allow their customers
to "unlock" their cell phones when they change between compatible wireless
service providers.
In 2014, CTIA-The Wireless Association adopted six standards on unlocking
into the CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service (www.ctia.org/policy-
initiatives/voluntary-guidelines/consumer-code-for-wireless-service). The
new standards, which are fully in effect among all nationwide mobile service
providers as of Feb. 11, 2015, give consumers greater freedom and
flexibility while increasing incentives for service providers to innovate.
Here are several FAQs to help you better understand cell phone unlocking and
how it relates to you:
Q: What is mobile phone and device locking?
Some mobile wireless service providers use software "locks" on their devices
. These locks are meant to ensure that devices can only be used on the
networks of specific service providers.
Q: Why do providers lock mobile wireless devices?
In many instances, devices are sold with subsidies (or discounts) in
exchange for a required service plan agreement, often months or years in
length, or subject to a device installment plan. Most service plan
agreements have an early termination clause that includes a penalty to be
paid to end the agreement ahead of schedule. Locking software is meant to
ensure that devices will be active for a certain period of time or amount of
usage on the network of the provider that sold that device with a subsidy (
or discount) or with a device installment plan.
Q: Is my cell phone currently locked?
Unless you purchased a phone or device specifically sold as "unlocked" at
the point of purchase, you should assume that it is locked to a specific
service provider's network. This is true whether you purchase the device
from a service provider, at a general retail outlet (in person or on the web
), or through a third-party.
Q: How can I unlock my mobile phone?
Contact your mobile wireless service provider. Devices can be unlocked with
unlock codes or other software updates provided to you by your provider.
Some providers will complete the unlocking process in-store, others will
unlock your device remotely and automatically.
Q: Are mobile devices besides phones locked, too?
Yes, tablets and other mobile devices can be locked to networks. The new
standards cover mobile wireless devices, including tablets. You should
check with your service provider to see if your mobile device is locked and
what terms and conditions you have agreed to.
Q: Will my provider unlock my phone?
All service providers who signed onto the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless
Service have fully implemented the six standards on unlocking. Participants
include all nationwide service providers, as well as a number of regional
providers. Each participating provider has posted its unlocking policy on
its company website and will respond to unlock requests.
Q: Will my postpaid phone be unlocked on request?
Yes, participating providers will unlock your postpaid phone provided the
terms and conditions of your service contract are met and you are in good
standing. You should speak with your service provider to understand the
terms and conditions of your agreement and the provider's policies on
unlocking mobile devices.
Q: Will my prepaid phone be unlocked on request?
Yes, participating providers have agreed to unlock prepaid devices within
one year of initial activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment, or
usage requirements.
Q: Which service providers are implementing the new standards on unlocking
mobile devices?
The website of CTIA-The Wireless Association, www.ctia.org, has a current
list of signatories to the Consumer Code for Wireless Service, which
includes the new standards. If your wireless carrier is not one of the
participating service providers, please contact them directly regarding
their device unlocking policy.
Q: When is my device eligible for unlocking?
Your postpaid device is eligible to be unlocked by a participating provider
after you have fulfilled the applicable service contract, completed the
device installment plan or paid an early termination fee. Your prepaid
device is eligible to be unlocked by a participating provider no later than
one year after activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment, or
usage requirements.
Q: Will my phone automatically be unlocked when my service contract has been
fulfilled?
It depends on your service provider. Participating providers will notify you
at the time your postpaid device is eligible for unlocking if the device is
not automatically unlocked. For prepaid devices, participating providers
will notify you when your device is eligible for unlocking at the point of
sale, at the time of eligibility or through a clear and concise statement of
the provider's policy on its website. When your device is eligible, some
providers may automatically unlock it remotely. In this case, providers of
postpaid devices are not required under the new standards to notify you at
the time when the device is eligible for unlocking. Other providers may
require you to formally request to have your phone unlocked. Under the new
standards, participating providers have agreed to unlock eligible devices,
provide you with unlocking instructions, or initiate an unlocking request to
the device manufacturer – or provide an easily understood explanation of
denial – within two business days of receiving an unlock request.
Q: Will I be charged fees to unlock my device?
SParticipating providers may not charge customers and former customers
additional fees to unlock a device if it is eligible to be unlocked.
Providers may charge a reasonable fee to unlock eligible devices for non-
customers/non-former-customers.
Q: Are there military exceptions to allow device(s) to be unlocked early for
deployments?
Yes. If you are deployed internationally or receive orders for international
deployment, providers must unlock your device upon verification of
deployment under the new standards. Contact your mobile service provider,
provide verification of your deployment, and request that your device(s) be
unlocked.
Q: Can my mobile service provider refuse to unlock my phone because I owe
them money or am currently under contract?
Yes. Providers do not have to unlock devices for customers or former
customers that are not in good standing. You should contact your mobile
service provider to understand the terms and conditions of your agreement
and your provider's unlocking policies.
Q: Will my unlocked mobile device work on all networks?
No. Network technology (GSM, LTE, CDMA, etc.) varies between different
regions globally and across the United States. Device technology varies to
ensure it works with compatible networks. In other words, your device
technology must be compatible with network technology to enable access and
functionality. Because the technologies differ, your device will not work
across all networks.
Also devices are optimized to work with service providers' networks for
which they're sold. Although your mobile device may work on a compatible
network, certain features on your unlocked phone may not work optimally, and
some features may not work at all.
Q: Will unlocking my device enable it to work on international networks?
Whether your device is locked or unlocked, you should check with your mobile
service provider before you travel internationally to find out if your
mobile device will work abroad. Mobile networks differ from country to
country, and your device may be incompatible with the networks where you are
traveling. Also, if your phone works for voice calls, some other functions
– such as sending and receiving mobile data or text messaging – might not
work.
International roaming can be complicated. Take time to understand all the
rules and rates before you travel. Advance preparation can prevent
disappointments such as lack of service or unexpectedly high charges on your
next bill.
If your smartphone is capable of using one, you might consider buying a "SIM
" card (the removable card used by some mobile handsets containing
subscriber data and the phone's number) with a local number in the country
you are visiting, effectively turning the handset into a local phone.
However, you should check with your carrier to determine whether your device
can utilize international SIMs.
Research your options and find useful tips using our Consumer Guide:
International Roaming – Using Your Mobile Phone in Other Countries (www.fcc
.gov/guides/wireless-world-travel-made-simple).
source: https://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq
service providers have fully implemented policies that allow their customers
to "unlock" their cell phones when they change between compatible wireless
service providers.
In 2014, CTIA-The Wireless Association adopted six standards on unlocking
into the CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service (www.ctia.org/policy-
initiatives/voluntary-guidelines/consumer-code-for-wireless-service). The
new standards, which are fully in effect among all nationwide mobile service
providers as of Feb. 11, 2015, give consumers greater freedom and
flexibility while increasing incentives for service providers to innovate.
Here are several FAQs to help you better understand cell phone unlocking and
how it relates to you:
Q: What is mobile phone and device locking?
Some mobile wireless service providers use software "locks" on their devices
. These locks are meant to ensure that devices can only be used on the
networks of specific service providers.
Q: Why do providers lock mobile wireless devices?
In many instances, devices are sold with subsidies (or discounts) in
exchange for a required service plan agreement, often months or years in
length, or subject to a device installment plan. Most service plan
agreements have an early termination clause that includes a penalty to be
paid to end the agreement ahead of schedule. Locking software is meant to
ensure that devices will be active for a certain period of time or amount of
usage on the network of the provider that sold that device with a subsidy (
or discount) or with a device installment plan.
Q: Is my cell phone currently locked?
Unless you purchased a phone or device specifically sold as "unlocked" at
the point of purchase, you should assume that it is locked to a specific
service provider's network. This is true whether you purchase the device
from a service provider, at a general retail outlet (in person or on the web
), or through a third-party.
Q: How can I unlock my mobile phone?
Contact your mobile wireless service provider. Devices can be unlocked with
unlock codes or other software updates provided to you by your provider.
Some providers will complete the unlocking process in-store, others will
unlock your device remotely and automatically.
Q: Are mobile devices besides phones locked, too?
Yes, tablets and other mobile devices can be locked to networks. The new
standards cover mobile wireless devices, including tablets. You should
check with your service provider to see if your mobile device is locked and
what terms and conditions you have agreed to.
Q: Will my provider unlock my phone?
All service providers who signed onto the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless
Service have fully implemented the six standards on unlocking. Participants
include all nationwide service providers, as well as a number of regional
providers. Each participating provider has posted its unlocking policy on
its company website and will respond to unlock requests.
Q: Will my postpaid phone be unlocked on request?
Yes, participating providers will unlock your postpaid phone provided the
terms and conditions of your service contract are met and you are in good
standing. You should speak with your service provider to understand the
terms and conditions of your agreement and the provider's policies on
unlocking mobile devices.
Q: Will my prepaid phone be unlocked on request?
Yes, participating providers have agreed to unlock prepaid devices within
one year of initial activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment, or
usage requirements.
Q: Which service providers are implementing the new standards on unlocking
mobile devices?
The website of CTIA-The Wireless Association, www.ctia.org, has a current
list of signatories to the Consumer Code for Wireless Service, which
includes the new standards. If your wireless carrier is not one of the
participating service providers, please contact them directly regarding
their device unlocking policy.
Q: When is my device eligible for unlocking?
Your postpaid device is eligible to be unlocked by a participating provider
after you have fulfilled the applicable service contract, completed the
device installment plan or paid an early termination fee. Your prepaid
device is eligible to be unlocked by a participating provider no later than
one year after activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment, or
usage requirements.
Q: Will my phone automatically be unlocked when my service contract has been
fulfilled?
It depends on your service provider. Participating providers will notify you
at the time your postpaid device is eligible for unlocking if the device is
not automatically unlocked. For prepaid devices, participating providers
will notify you when your device is eligible for unlocking at the point of
sale, at the time of eligibility or through a clear and concise statement of
the provider's policy on its website. When your device is eligible, some
providers may automatically unlock it remotely. In this case, providers of
postpaid devices are not required under the new standards to notify you at
the time when the device is eligible for unlocking. Other providers may
require you to formally request to have your phone unlocked. Under the new
standards, participating providers have agreed to unlock eligible devices,
provide you with unlocking instructions, or initiate an unlocking request to
the device manufacturer – or provide an easily understood explanation of
denial – within two business days of receiving an unlock request.
Q: Will I be charged fees to unlock my device?
SParticipating providers may not charge customers and former customers
additional fees to unlock a device if it is eligible to be unlocked.
Providers may charge a reasonable fee to unlock eligible devices for non-
customers/non-former-customers.
Q: Are there military exceptions to allow device(s) to be unlocked early for
deployments?
Yes. If you are deployed internationally or receive orders for international
deployment, providers must unlock your device upon verification of
deployment under the new standards. Contact your mobile service provider,
provide verification of your deployment, and request that your device(s) be
unlocked.
Q: Can my mobile service provider refuse to unlock my phone because I owe
them money or am currently under contract?
Yes. Providers do not have to unlock devices for customers or former
customers that are not in good standing. You should contact your mobile
service provider to understand the terms and conditions of your agreement
and your provider's unlocking policies.
Q: Will my unlocked mobile device work on all networks?
No. Network technology (GSM, LTE, CDMA, etc.) varies between different
regions globally and across the United States. Device technology varies to
ensure it works with compatible networks. In other words, your device
technology must be compatible with network technology to enable access and
functionality. Because the technologies differ, your device will not work
across all networks.
Also devices are optimized to work with service providers' networks for
which they're sold. Although your mobile device may work on a compatible
network, certain features on your unlocked phone may not work optimally, and
some features may not work at all.
Q: Will unlocking my device enable it to work on international networks?
Whether your device is locked or unlocked, you should check with your mobile
service provider before you travel internationally to find out if your
mobile device will work abroad. Mobile networks differ from country to
country, and your device may be incompatible with the networks where you are
traveling. Also, if your phone works for voice calls, some other functions
– such as sending and receiving mobile data or text messaging – might not
work.
International roaming can be complicated. Take time to understand all the
rules and rates before you travel. Advance preparation can prevent
disappointments such as lack of service or unexpectedly high charges on your
next bill.
If your smartphone is capable of using one, you might consider buying a "SIM
" card (the removable card used by some mobile handsets containing
subscriber data and the phone's number) with a local number in the country
you are visiting, effectively turning the handset into a local phone.
However, you should check with your carrier to determine whether your device
can utilize international SIMs.
Research your options and find useful tips using our Consumer Guide:
International Roaming – Using Your Mobile Phone in Other Countries (www.fcc
.gov/guides/wireless-world-travel-made-simple).
source: https://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq
