<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3pkSdK_0wJBGFrq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3pkSdK_0wJBGFrq00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>T-Mobile and AT&amp;T are pushing back on an FCC plan to require cellular providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation.As Ars Technica reports, both carriers submitted comments to the agency this month and said the rules will lead to fewer phone deals. They also question whether the FCC has the authority to create such a rule in the first place.The FCC argues that unlocking customers' mobile phones within 60 days of activation will "improve consumer choice and...enhance competition.""You bought your phone, you should be able to take it to any provider you want," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in introducing the proposal.T-Mobile, however, says, "Consumers risk losing access to the benefits of free or heavily subsidized handsets because the proposal would force providers to reduce the lineup of their most compelling handset offers." It predicts subsidies would drop by 40-70% for lower- and higher-end devices, like the Moto G, Samsung A15, and iPhone 12.AT&amp;T made a similar point. "Requiring providers to unlock handsets before they are paid off would ultimately harm consumers by creating upward pressure on handset prices and disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms," it says.Both providers think the FCC needs to back off entirely. "The FCC may be overreaching its authority by imposing such rules," AT&amp;T says, while T-Mobile "maintains that the Commission lacks authority to adopt the proposed rule."The FCC says it has legal authority under Title III of the 1934 Communications Act.T-Mobile will currently unlock phones on postpaid plans after 40 days if it's paid in full, but those on prepaid plans must wait a year. AT&amp;T will unlock postpaid phones after 60 days if they're paid in full; those on prepaid need to wait six months.Verizon already unlocks all devices after 60 days, but that's largely due to the requirements associated with the spectrum it purchased, Ars notes.The FCC will now take these and other public comments into consideration before issuing a final rule. Its next public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21, but the agenda has not yet been released.<h2>About Jibin Joseph</h2>ContributorJibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.</div></body>

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AT&T, T-Mobile Are Not Fans of the FCC's Phone-Unlocking Proposal

T-Mobile and AT&T are pushing back on an FCC plan to require cellular providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation. As Ars Technica reports, both carriers submitted comments to the agency this month and said the rules will lead to fewer phone deals. They also question whether the FCC has the authority to create such a rule in the first place.