Unlocking Smartphones Now Illegal — How Could This Affect You?
A Library of Congress ruling has gone into effect that prohibits smartphone users from circumventing copyright protection systems — systems that enable a phone to run on only the network of the carrier that sold it.
eWeek.com, a website for technology news, opinions and reviews, reports that as of today, Jan. 26, unlocking smartphones without a service provider's permission is illegal. A Library of Congress ruling has gone into effect that prohibits smartphone users from circumventing copyright protection systems — systems that enable a phone to run on only the network of the carrier that sold it. For example, if you purchase an iPhone with AT&T service, that phone is programmed to only connect to AT&T's network. If you want an unlocked phone, one that you could connect to multiple service providers, you'll have to buy it that way — and it's more expensive — or ask your carrier to send you an unlock code, which could be unlikely. "Imagine buying a …
Sam B
3:43 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Isn't this like buying a car and have to get gass at a certain gas station. Or a tv with one chanel, or worked with cable not dish. The Smart phone makers that allows unlocking will sell more, the others will choked in their dust. more ›