FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 26, 2010
Contact: Liz Rose, Communications Director, 202-265-1490 x 32

WASHINGTON – Today, the Library of Congress announced that cell phone users who unlock their phones for use on a different, compatible network or to access third-party applications are not in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Free Press Policy Counsel Aparna Sridhar issued the following statement:

“The decision by the U.S. Copyright Office is an important step toward promoting open wireless networks. Opening up wireless networks to innovative uses and devices promotes consumer choice, market efficiency and competition in the market for wireless services.

“This approach will assist consumers who want to vote with their feet by taking the phone of their choice to the carrier of their choice. Not only is this a win for consumers, but it’s also a win for innovators and developers whose products and applications now have a fighting chance in a market plagued by exclusive device arrangements dictated by the largest wireless carriers.”

Link to 2008 PISC mobile unlocking comments: http://www.copyright.gov/1201/2008/responses/pisc-freepress-42.pdf