Wireless Bureau Seeks Comment on Verizon Request for Clarity on Handset Locking Rule

The Wireless Bureau sought comment on Verizon's asking the FCC for clarity, or waiver, of handset unlocking rules imposed as a result of the rules for the 700 MHz C-block it bought in a 2008 auction. Verizon's petition last month seeks “temporary, 60-day lock on the 4G LTE handsets it provides, to ensure that the handsets are purchased by bona fide customers,” the bureau said Tuesday. “With respect to whether its temporary locking proposal is consistent with the handset locking rule, Verizon asserts that the rule is ambiguous and that clarification is needed.” Comments are due April 4, replies April 19, in docket 06-150. “Every other large U.S. wireless carrier has continued to lock 4G LTE handsets at the time of purchase, at least in part to help prevent this type of fraud and identity theft,” Verizon said. “Neither Sprint, T-Mobile, nor AT&T provides 4G LTE handsets unlocked at the time of purchase as Verizon does.” The C block offered large spectrum blocks but came with special rules.