Verizon can now keep phones locked longer

Verizon has won approval from the Federal Communications Commission to keep customer phones locked to its network for more than 60 days. The FCC dropped its earlier requirement that Verizon unlock devices after two months of service, a rule that had set the carrier apart from rivals.

Verizon argued the longer lock-in can help cut fraud and reduce customer churn, which in turn can lower costs. Cable operators that resell Verizon’s network, however, are calling for new, clearer unlocking rules, warning that extended locks can make it harder for customers to switch providers and for smaller players to compete.