WASHINGTON, D.C. ─ The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act. The bill, approved by the Senate earlier this month, will restore the legal right of consumers to “unlock” their mobile phone and switch to another wireless company's network when their contracts expire.
Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports has been working with policymakers to find a fix for the "unlock" exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that was eliminated by the Library of Congress, including testifying at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing.
George Slover, senior policy counsel for Consumers Union, said, “This legislation is about giving consumers more choices and options for their phones. Restoring the option to unlock a phone gives consumers the ability to pick another wireless service without having to give up a perfectly good, working phone for a new one. This legislation can help consumers save some money, and it can help drive competition in both mobile phone technology and wireless service. We applaud leaders in both the House and the Senate for their work on this issue.”
Media Contacts:
David Butler, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or dbutler@consumer.org
Kara Kelber, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or kkelber@consumer.org
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© 2014 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may
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Consumer Reports is a nonprofit
membership organization that works side by side with consumers to
create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product
testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education,
and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or
other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives
to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto
safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to
fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always
been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2014 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may
not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent,
nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer,
safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are
not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®
magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees,
and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use
of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other
commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open
to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
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