# T-Mobile and AT&T Fight Against New Rule Requiring Phone Unlocking! 🔒

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/t-mobile-and-at-t-fight-against-new-rule-requiring-phone-unlocking/294181>\
**Category:** News & Articles\
**Tags:** news\
**Created:** [October 22, 2024, 2:03am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/t-mobile-and-at-t-fight-against-new-rule-requiring-phone-unlocking/294181 "2024-10-22T02:03:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TheJoker](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/thejoker/32/22660_2.png) [@TheJoker](https://onehack.st/u/TheJoker)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2024, 2:03am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/t-mobile-and-at-t-fight-against-new-rule-requiring-phone-unlocking/294181/1 "2024-10-22T02:03:37Z")

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**Summary:**

1. **Opposition to Unlocking Rule**  
**T-Mobile** and **AT&T** are opposing a proposed FCC rule that would mandate unlocking phones within **60 days** of activation, arguing that locked phones allow them to offer lower prices for devices.

2. **Claim on Consumer Impact**  
T-Mobile asserts that implementing a uniform unlocking policy could negatively impact consumers, potentially leading to reduced access to subsidized handsets. They argue that the absence of a locking system could result in fewer attractive device options available to users.

3. **Concerns About Subsidies**  
The carrier warns that if the rule is enacted, **prepaid customers** could see subsidies on devices drop by **40% to 70%** , affecting a range of phones from budget options to high-end models like the iPhone 12.

4. **Consumer Advocacy Support**  
The proposed rule has garnered support from consumer advocacy groups, which argue that unlocking phones would provide users with greater freedom and choice, enabling them to switch carriers more easily.

5. **Regulatory Background**  
The FCC had previously voted **5-0** to advance a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding this unlocking policy, emphasizing consumer protection against potential fraud-related purchases.

**Read more at:** [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/10/t-mobile-att-oppose-unlocking-rule-claim-locked-phones-are-good-for-users/)