Bill Introduced To Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal Again

Here’s some good news on the unlocking front if you’re in the U.S.

Hot on the heels of the response by the White House to the “Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal” petition, Democratic senators Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal, along with Utah Republican Mike Lee have introduced a bill that would make unlocking cell phones legal again.

AllThingsD relays statements issued by the senators:

“Consumers shouldn’t have to fear criminal charges if they want to unlock their cell phones and switch carriers,” Lee said in a statement. “Enhanced competition among wireless services is the surest way to increase consumer welfare.”

“Consumers who have purchased a mobile device, and aren’t bound by a service contract, should be able to use it on another network,” said Blumenthal. “This legislation is common sense, crucial for protecting consumer choice, and important for ensuring healthy competition in the market.”

While carriers like AT&T allow customers to unlock their iPhones after they have fulfilled their contract, activist Sina Khanifar who started the White House petition drive contends AT&T’s unlocking policy does not go far enough.

It does appear that the bill has gained enough momentum to get it passed.

Via: AllThingsD