Why Is Verizon Asking to Delay Unlocking Your Phone?

If you’re wondering why Verizon won’t unlock your phone after 60 days like before, you’re not alone. Many users search for “Verizon phone unlocking policy” or “how long does Verizon keep phones locked” because they want the freedom to switch carriers easily. Currently, Verizon is pushing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend the mandatory phone unlocking period beyond 60 days. This move challenges the existing FCC rule that requires Verizon to unlock phones within two months of purchase or activation. Verizon argues that the current 60-day unlocking rule is outdated, burdensome, and even encourages fraud, making it harder for the company to offer affordable phone subsidies and maintain competitive pricing.

The History Behind Verizon’s Unlocking Rule

The FCC first imposed phone unlocking rules on Verizon in 2008 after the carrier acquired C-Block spectrum. This regulation ensured consumers could switch carriers without being locked into Verizon’s network indefinitely. In 2019, the FCC allowed Verizon to lock phones for a maximum of 60 days before unlocking them, and Verizon extended this policy to its prepaid brand TracFone after acquiring it in 2021. However, Verizon now wants to push the unlocking period even longer, claiming the 60-day limit fails to prevent device fraud and puts the carrier at a disadvantage compared to providers not bound by the rule. Industry standards outside FCC regulation often involve phone locks lasting six months or more.

What Verizon Claims: Benefits of Longer Locking Periods

Verizon’s main argument is that extending the unlocking period will ultimately benefit consumers. By waiving the 60-day unlocking rule, Verizon says it can continue to offer phone subsidies and other financing options that make devices more affordable upfront. They also argue that this change will foster fairer competition by leveling the playing field with carriers who are not required to unlock phones within two months. Verizon claims that despite the existing 60-day lock, device fraud remains a problem, so a longer unlocking period aligns with recent FCC efforts to eliminate “unnecessary regulations” and streamline industry policies.

What This Means for Consumers and Competition

For consumers, the possibility of waiting longer than 60 days to unlock your Verizon phone could limit your flexibility to switch carriers quickly, which is a key consideration in today’s competitive mobile market. While unlocking your device is crucial for portability and avoiding roaming charges when traveling, Verizon’s proposal highlights the tension between consumer freedom and business interests tied to subsidies and fraud prevention. The FCC recently proposed new rules to require all major providers, including T-Mobile and AT&T, to unlock phones after 60 days, aiming to unify policies across the industry. However, Verizon’s pushback may influence how these regulations evolve.