NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
July 25, 2014 Matthew Berry (202) 418-2005
Email: Matthew.Berry@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
APPLAUDING CONGRESS FOR TAKING ACTION ON CELLPHONE UNLOCKING
I applaud Congress for passing S. 517, the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless
Competition Act.  This is a victory for American consumers.  This legislation makes clear that Americans
will not be subject to criminal prosecution or civil fines just for unlocking their wireless phones in order
to move from one carrier to another.  Contract law—not copyright or criminal law—should govern the
relationship between consumers and wireless carriers.  This measure will help the free market for wireless
phones and services flourish—freedom that I hope will soon extend to tablets and other wireless devices.