I admittedly don't get how this is even a thing, having bought unlocked phones for prepaid service going on 14 years now. Wait for a sale on a phone, get a high-end device for like $800 (financing always available), and pay $200 once a year for service.
It's appalling to me that people think more than $17/month for cell service is reasonable.
$800-$1000 up front is a whole lot of money for a lot of people. Also, where did you find a phone plan for $200 year? Asking for a friend...
5GB/month Mint Mobile plan. Eight years in, and it started as 2GB. I buy my music, so I don't stream. Most data use is background stuff with apps.
A couple of years ago, Canada required all carriers to cell unlocked phones, or allow them to be unlocked for free. Nothing bad has happened because of that. Our cell phone plans are still too expensive, and the companies are wildly profitable.
I'm actually pretty curious to see how the FCC moves forward after Chevron, and I'm hoping Rosenworcel wipes the floor with them
What! Freedom for the masses! SCOTUS assemble!!!
And manufacturers to make it unlockable, pretty please?
Why can't we do it right now?
Phew, from the title it wasn't clear what "unlock" meant. I thought they were trying to force carriers to backdoor everyone's phones and make the conents of any phone available upon request by law enforcement in a timely manner.
🤖 I'm a bot that provides automatic summaries for articles:
::: spoiler Click here to see the summary
The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones to be able to switch carriers.
The agency voted unanimously on Thursday to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to make mobile service providers unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation.
Waiting periods and unlocking requirements vary between carriers, which the FCC said in a press release creates confusion for customers.
This is part of Chair Jessica Rosenworcel’s efforts to close the digital divide by expanding the E-Rate program, which gives schools and libraries discounts on internet and telecommunications services.
The agency also approved rules to slash the cost of jail calls and prohibit certain fees that drive up prices for incarcerated people seeking to contact their loved ones.
It also sets video call rate caps ranging from 11 to 25 cents depending on the type or size of the jail or prison.
Here's an idea: How about zero days?
I admittedly don't get how this is even a thing, having bought unlocked phones for prepaid service going on 14 years now. Wait for a sale on a phone, get a high-end device for like $800 (financing always available), and pay $200 once a year for service.
It's appalling to me that people think more than $17/month for cell service is reasonable.
$800-$1000 up front is a whole lot of money for a lot of people. Also, where did you find a phone plan for $200 year? Asking for a friend...
5GB/month Mint Mobile plan. Eight years in, and it started as 2GB. I buy my music, so I don't stream. Most data use is background stuff with apps.
Oh cool. Good to know, thanks
A couple of years ago, Canada required all carriers to cell unlocked phones, or allow them to be unlocked for free. Nothing bad has happened because of that. Our cell phone plans are still too expensive, and the companies are wildly profitable.
I'm actually pretty curious to see how the FCC moves forward after Chevron, and I'm hoping Rosenworcel wipes the floor with them
What! Freedom for the masses! SCOTUS assemble!!!
And manufacturers to make it unlockable, pretty please?
Why can't we do it right now?
Phew, from the title it wasn't clear what "unlock" meant. I thought they were trying to force carriers to backdoor everyone's phones and make the conents of any phone available upon request by law enforcement in a timely manner.
🤖 I'm a bot that provides automatic summaries for articles: ::: spoiler Click here to see the summary The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones to be able to switch carriers.
The agency voted unanimously on Thursday to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to make mobile service providers unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation.
Waiting periods and unlocking requirements vary between carriers, which the FCC said in a press release creates confusion for customers.
This is part of Chair Jessica Rosenworcel’s efforts to close the digital divide by expanding the E-Rate program, which gives schools and libraries discounts on internet and telecommunications services.
The agency also approved rules to slash the cost of jail calls and prohibit certain fees that drive up prices for incarcerated people seeking to contact their loved ones.
It also sets video call rate caps ranging from 11 to 25 cents depending on the type or size of the jail or prison.
Saved 56% of original text. :::