FCC Acts to Bring More Uniform Approach to Handset Unlocking Rules
Federal Communications Commission - Press Release
January 12, 2026
FCC Waives 2007 Rule that Incentivized Handset Theft and Fraud
WASHINGTON, January 12, 2026—The Federal Communications Commission today took action to bring a more uniform approach to its handset unlocking rules that will benefit consumers. The action also closes a loophole that sophisticated criminal networks and everyday lawbreakers alike have exploited to engage in illicit activity. Specifically, the FCC waived a 2007 rule that required one wireless carrier to unlock their handsets well earlier than standard industry practice, thus creating an incentive for bad actors to steal those handsets for purposes of carrying out fraud and other illegal acts.
Chairman Brendan Carr issued the following statement:
“Sophisticated criminal networks have exploited the FCC’s handset unlocking policies to carry out criminal acts—including transnational handset trafficking schemes and facilitating broader criminal enterprises like drug running and human smuggling. By waiving a regulation that incentivized bad actors to target one particular carrier’s handsets for theft, we now have a uniform industry standard that can help stem the flow of handsets into the black market.”
See full news release:
Source: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-417932A1.pdf