Verizon also received permission from the FCC to hold onto customers for longer through locking mobile phones to their network. They received a waiver to a rule that says a phone would be unlocked automatically in 60 days, and instead to follow a customer request after certain requirements are met. This follows a more lenient approach that comes from the CTIA group, which used to be called the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. This approach was allowed due to concerns of fraud, theft, and other issues that led to comments from law enforcement that supported a more relaxed approach. It does mean that some customers may be stifled and locked, but I have to wonder how many people this does impact, as I, and many people I know, have been long time customers of their carrier, never budging until new purchase times come along.
FCC waives rule that forced Verizon to unlock phones 60 days after activation.
Source: Verizon to stop automatic unlocking of phones as FCC ends 60-day unlock rule
