[1st-mile-nm] FCC Actions

[Richard Lowenberg]

Under new Chairman Tom Wheeler, the FCC is beginning to address many 
pending issues.  Here are two items copied from
today's Benton Foundation's news postings, with additional links.
RL
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FCC, CELLPHONE CARRIERS AGREE TO 'UNLOCKING' POLICY

http://benton.org/node/170008

Under pressure from the Federal Communications Commission, major 
cellphone carriers agreed to a new policy to allow customers to "unlock" 
their phones and switch providers. The companies agreed to the voluntary 
policy after FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler warned them they could face 
mandatory regulations if they failed to act. CTIA, the lobbying 
organization for the cellphone industry, said it plans to include the 
policy in its bylaws. Here are the half-dozen steps to assist with 
consumer unlocking per CTIA’s letter to the FCC:

1. Disclosure. Each carrier will post on its website its clear, 
concise, and readily accessible policy on postpaid and prepaid mobile 
wireless device unlocking.

2. Postpaid Unlocking Policy. Carriers, upon request, will unlock 
mobile wireless devices or provide the necessary information to unlock 
their devices for their customers and former customers in good standing 
and individual owners of eligible devices after the fulfillment of the 
applicable postpaid service contract, device financing plan or payment 
of an applicable early termination fee.

3. Prepaid Unlocking Policy. Carriers, upon request, will unlock 
prepaid mobile wireless devices no later than one year after initial 
activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment or usage 
requirements.

4. Notice. Carriers that lock devices will clearly notify customers 
that their devices are eligible for unlocking at the time when their 
devices are eligible for unlocking or automatically unlock devices 
remotely when devices are eligible for unlocking, without additional 
fee. Carriers reserve the right to charge 
non-customers/non-former-customers a reasonable fee for unlocking 
requests. Notice to prepaid customers may occur at point of sale, at the 
time of eligibility, or through a clear and concise statement of the 
policy on the carrier’s website.

5. Response Time. Within two business days after receiving a request, 
carriers will unlock eligible mobile wireless devices or initiate a 
request to the OEM to unlock the eligible device, or provide an 
explanation of why the device does not qualify for unlocking, or why the 
carrier reasonably needs additional time to process the request.

6. Deployed Personnel Unlocking Policy. Carriers will unlock mobile 
wireless devices for deployed military personnel who are customers in 
good standing upon provision of deployment papers.

Brian Fung at the Washington Post writes, “Everyone leaves happy, 
right? Not exactly.” Fung points out that the agreement leaves your 
carrier the sole gatekeeper for all unlocking requests. So if you're 
preparing to travel abroad and want to use your device on European 
networks, chances are your unlocking request will be turned down if you 
aren't already at the end of your contract.

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The Benton Foundation commends the work of the Technology Transitions 
Policy Task Force.

http://benton.org/node/169915

Today’s presentation is an important, positive step on a long road to 
transitioning to all-IP networks. We are glad to see the emphasis the 
FCC is placing on the universal deployment of broadband networks, 
promoting public safety, protecting consumers, and preserving and 
enhancing competition and interconnection. There’s strong consensus that 
the transition must embrace these core values. As the Commission 
considers the next steps in managing the transition, Benton asks that it 
also include in a new Network Compact additional values that are dear to 
consumers and crucial if vulnerable communities – children, seniors, 
low-income and minority households, and people and businesses in rural 
and remote areas – are to enjoy the full benefits of IP networks:

Affordability: Since enactment of the Communications Act of 1934, the 
availability of world-class networks at affordable rates has been a key 
policy goal.

Accessibility: The 54 million Americans with disabilities must be able 
to make full use of broadband networks and the video and voice services 
that run over these networks.

Diversity: In addition to ubiquitous availability, Americans must have 
the ability to access and distribute content that reflects the country’s 
diversity of viewpoints.

Openness: Consumers must retain their rights to utilize any legal 
applications, content, devices, and services of their choosing on the 
broadband networks to which they subscribe.

Speed: Consumers need fast networks that allow them access to, and 
choice of, a full range of services to meet their needs.

Innovation: For consumers, the promise of the IP transition is new 
services and ways to collaborate and communicate that are better and 
more advanced than current basic telephone communications.

While there’s no doubt that the nation is on the verge of a bold 
digital opportunity, smart policy decisions, not just capital 
investments, are needed if every American -- regardless of zip code, 
race, disability or income – is to get a chance to tap into a world 
where voice, video and information are available faster and in more and 
better ways than ever before. The Task Force advanced us on that path 
today; now is the time for the full Commission to act.



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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Dir.
1st-Mile Institute, 505-603-5200
P.O.Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.1st-mile.org  rl at 1st-mile.org
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