Mobile users push for unlocked phones

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Thousands of cell phone users are petitioning the Obama Administration to make unlocking cell phones legal.

More than 100,000 people have signed an online petition saying the practice is unfair.  According to petition literature, a statute under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act prohibits consumers who have bought mobile phones after January 26 ^th to unlock their phones for use on a different network; unless they have permission from the carrier. Users could be subject to violating federal laws if they unlock their phones even after their service contract expires. 

Not all phones are subject to the statute; there are a number of models that are unlocked and can be activated by different carriers.

“I have a lot of friends who are annoyed that they can't do that,” said Matt Ford of Northampton. 

“Because lets say you work and live in one area and the coverage is good and then the job changes. Now you are driving through the hill towns where AT&T is bad but Verizon is much better,” said Ford on Main Street Tuesday.

Opponents say the law reduces consumer choice and reduces the resale value of the phone. More than 114,000 have signed a petition to change the law.  It’s a petition that is now being backed by the White House.

“I had no idea that it was a federal crime to do that. I don't really think its fair, today's world it's all about convenience. So if people have a reason to switch to a different user they should be allowed to do that,” said Jenni Marcus. 

A White House adviser says the administration is now looking into drafting legislation that will allow consumers to unlock their phones if they've paid for it and aren't bound by a service agreement.