TL;DR
The FCC has removed a long-standing rule that forced Verizon to automatically unlock devices 60 days after activation, citing fraud and handset trafficking. Verizon will adopt the CTIA Consumer Code: postpaid phones stay locked until paid or contract-complete, prepaid devices can remain locked up to a year, and military members retain early-unlock options.
What happened
A regulatory change announced by the FCC means Verizon is no longer bound by a rule requiring automatic handset unlocks 60 days after activation. The original obligation dated to 2007, when Verizon obtained 700 MHz spectrum under conditions that included the unlocking requirement. The FCC said handset trafficking and fraud—where unlocked devices are diverted and resold on illicit markets—were key reasons for rescinding the mandate. The agency cited large losses tied to the rule, noting roughly 750,000 devices were lost to fraud in 2023 and describing significant economic costs. Under the new arrangement Verizon will follow the CTIA Consumer Code: postpaid phones remain locked until paid off or contracts conclude, prepaid devices may be locked for up to one year, and active-duty military can request earlier unlocking. The FCC also indicated it will pursue a separate rulemaking to consider an industry-wide standard.
Why it matters
- Consumers who expected automatic 60-day unlocks will face longer lock periods, affecting handset portability and resale options.
- The change aims to reduce handset trafficking and related fraud that regulators say produced large device losses and economic costs.
- Adopting the CTIA Consumer Code aligns Verizon’s unlocking rules with those used by major rivals, creating regulatory parity among carriers.
- Prepaid customers may see the biggest practical impact because devices can remain locked for up to a year under the new approach.
- The FCC’s planned rulemaking could lead to a new, industry-wide unlocking standard in the future.
Key facts
- Change took effect on January 12, 2026.
- A 2007 FCC condition tied to Verizon’s 700 MHz spectrum purchase originally required automatic unlocking after 60 days.
- The FCC cited fraud and handset trafficking—including devices resold on illicit markets—as reasons for ending the 60-day rule.
- The agency reported roughly 750,000 devices were lost to fraud in 2023.
- Regulators said the prior mandate caused 'hundreds of millions of dollars' in economic loss, according to the source.
- Verizon will transition to the CTIA Consumer Code used by other major carriers.
- Postpaid devices will remain locked until they are fully paid off or contractual obligations are met.
- Prepaid devices can be kept locked for up to one year after activation.
- Active-duty military personnel can still request earlier unlocking under the new rules.
- The FCC will pursue a separate rulemaking process to consider an industry-wide standard.
What to watch next
- The FCC’s separate rulemaking process and any proposals that could set a uniform unlocking standard across carriers (confirmed in the source).
- How Verizon implements the CTIA Consumer Code in practice and whether its customer-facing policies or timelines change (not confirmed in the source).
- Consumer complaints, resale market activity and whether trafficking numbers fall after the rule change (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- FCC: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission, a federal agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.
- CTIA Consumer Code: A voluntary industry code of conduct used by many wireless carriers that sets standards for practices such as device unlocking, returns and billing disclosures.
- Device unlocking: The process of removing a carrier-specific restriction so a phone can accept SIM cards from other networks.
- Handset trafficking: Illegal diversion of mobile devices—often unlocked—where stolen or fraudulently obtained phones are resold on illicit markets.
Reader FAQ
Will Verizon phones still unlock automatically after 60 days?
No. The FCC no longer requires automatic 60-day unlocks for Verizon; unlocking now follows CTIA Consumer Code rules.
When did this change take effect?
The new arrangement took effect on January 12, 2026.
How long will my phone stay locked under the new rules?
Postpaid phones remain locked until fully paid off or the contract ends; prepaid devices can stay locked for up to one year. Military personnel can request earlier unlocking.
Will customers have to pay to unlock their devices?
not confirmed in the source
The FCC is letting Verizon lock your phone for more than 60 days By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 22 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and…
Sources
- The FCC is letting Verizon lock your phone for more than 60 days
- Verizon gets FCC permission to end 60-day phone …
- Verizon to stop automatic unlocking of phones as FCC …
- Verizon wins FCC waiver on unlocked phones
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