FCC Gives Verizon Permission to Extend Phone Unlocking Deadline

Verizon can continue to lock its customers’ phones for longer periods of time, as the Federal Communications Commission has agreed to waive its 60-day unlocking requirement. According to the CTIA wireless trade group’s guidelines, Verizon is now only required to unlock postpaid phones after a customer’s contract expires, when they complete payment for their device, or following the payment of an early termination fee. In contrast, prepaid phones must be unlocked within one year of initial activation. The decision comes after Verizon requested a change in the rules.