FCC calls for Open Networks - No more "locking" of phones by carriers

U.S. operators have the tendency to remove WiFi functionality from handsets. They also "lock" the phones to specific carrier networks. This practice of locking phones and removing WiFi functionality is no doubt slowing the U.S.'s ability to innovate when it comes to wireless solutions. This fact has spurred the FCC to jump in.

In an interview with USA Today, FCC chairman Kevin Martin revealed there will be a tiny catch for whoever purchases that much-coveted slice of 700Mhz spectrum scheduled to go on the auction block by the end of January.

"Whoever wins this spectrum has to provide a truly open broadband network--one that will open the door to a lot of innovative services for consumers," Martin told USA Today. Martin said, in practice, this means users will be able to "use any wireless device and download any mobile broadband application, with no restrictions." Unless, of course, the software is illegal or could harm the network--which is a similar caveat that the Carterphone ruling created for wireline networks nearly 40 years ago. While the new rules would only apply to users of the 700Mhz spectrum, this could send a shock wave through the industry, as the spectrum is expected to provide some much-needed bandwidth (Martin himself suggests it could finally provide the elusive "third pipe to the home").

Based on global market and customer demands - I think this practice will dwindle sooner than later. Look for unlocked phones in the near future!