Verizon's 60-Day Unlocking Rule Ends: The Impact of Verizon FCC phone unlocking waiver 2026
The FCC has granted Verizon a waiver from its 60-day phone unlocking mandate. Learn how the Verizon FCC phone unlocking waiver 2026 affects your ability to switch carriers.
Leaving your carrier just got a whole lot harder. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted Verizon a waiver that scraps the long-standing requirement to automatically unlock phones just 60 days after activation. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. telecom policy, effectively handing more power back to the carriers.
Understanding the Verizon FCC phone unlocking waiver 2026
According to official reports, the FCC approved Verizon's petition to bypass the strict 60-day rule. For years, Verizon was unique among carriers because it was legally bound to unlock handsets quickly. Now, the company will follow the CTIA trade group's voluntary policy. It's a move that critics argue will discourage competition by making it difficult for users to switch to cheaper networks.
New Rules for Prepaid and Postpaid Customers
The change hits different user groups in distinct ways. Prepaid customers might have to wait up to one year before they can take their device to another provider. Postpaid users are tied down until their financing plans are fully settled. The FCC stated that this waiver stays in place until they decide on a broader, industry-wide approach to handset unlocking.
| Device Type | Previous Policy | New Waiver Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocking Method | Automatic after 60 days | Manual request required |
| Prepaid Wait Time | 60 days | Up to 1 year |
| Postpaid Condition | 60 days | Full payment/Contract end |
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