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| Locked Phone |
Starting today, unlocking a smartphone to use it with another carrier
is illegal in the United States unless you have already purchased that
locked phone.
The new rules, which restrict the rights of the device owner to use
the technology as they see fit, comes after the Librarian of Congress
reinterpreted the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act last October. Unlocking phones for other carriers used to be allowed in 2010, as the LOC reviews the rules every three years.
Meanwhile, jail-breaking devices–or
allowing the installation of third-party apps–will remain legal, except
on tablets. Also, installing Cydia on an iPad (but not an iPhone) will
constitute a breach of the DMCA. Android users rarely have to
circumvent blocks to install apps, but they also have to avoid unlocking
smartphones.
The LOC is also asking US courts to decide on where to draw the line
between a big phone and a small tablet. You see, American laws do not
acknowledge phablets.
The subsidy lock would give carriers enough time to recover the costs
they pay when the contract is signed. A locked phone is usually free
or sold cheaply and the monthly bills make up for it.
Those who are not in favor of the new rules can opt to purchase unlocked handsets instead, but that means you will have to pay full price for the device.
Source: The Register
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