It also voted to lower jail call price caps.
  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldBEnglish
    1·
    5 months ago

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    The Federal Communications Commission wants to standardize the amount of time consumers have to wait to unlock their cell phones to be able to switch carriers.

    The agency voted unanimously on Thursday to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to make mobile service providers unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation.

    Waiting periods and unlocking requirements vary between carriers, which the FCC said in a press release creates confusion for customers.

    This is part of Chair Jessica Rosenworcel’s efforts to close the digital divide by expanding the E-Rate program, which gives schools and libraries discounts on internet and telecommunications services.

    The agency also approved rules to slash the cost of jail calls and prohibit certain fees that drive up prices for incarcerated people seeking to contact their loved ones.

    It also sets video call rate caps ranging from 11 to 25 cents depending on the type or size of the jail or prison.

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  • Pete Hahnloser@beehaw.org
    0·
    5 months ago

    Here’s an idea: How about zero days?

    I admittedly don’t get how this is even a thing, having bought unlocked phones for prepaid service going on 14 years now. Wait for a sale on a phone, get a high-end device for like $800 (financing always available), and pay $200 once a year for service.

    It’s appalling to me that people think more than $17/month for cell service is reasonable.

      • Pete Hahnloser@beehaw.org
        0·
        5 months ago

        Nobody would put up with buying a car that only runs off gas from ExxonMobil, even with a discount. Nobody would buy a laptop that can only get an internet connection through Comcast. That so many people put up with locked phones are OK with this practice shows a lack of comparative analysis.

          • Pete Hahnloser@beehaw.org
            0·
            5 months ago

            I’m of that particular age where my memories start just after AT&T was broken up into Baby Bells (to the extent that I thought “Ma Bell” was a weird shortening of Mountain Bell). So I know we’ve been here before.

            Tesla’s not a great example, given that their connector is now a standard. Yes, it’ll take year for other charging networks to get built out, but that’s a temporary situation that’s a tech question. Cell service is not.