It took years for consumers to get phone number portability, and now the fight is on for device portability: We mentioned last week about U.S. Congressional hearings on wireless innovation and upcoming airwaves auction (and the arguments back and forth over how and when to open the mobile operators’ networks) and how the subject of “unlocking the iPhone” came up. The Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet has put up the full hearing as video and transcripts here.
A group called SaveTheInternet has posted an edited version of hearings on YouTube…the video below. The argument of unlocking the iPhone from the AT&T network is of course not just restricted to Apple…I am sure every handset company would be happy, though are afraid to say it out loud in case they upset the four big players here. More on “Free The iPhone” campaign here.
For more on this, read the passionate testimonials (all PDF links) from Timothy Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia Law School; Chris Murray, Senior Counsel, Consumers UnionJason Devitt, CEO, SkyDeck; and Steven Zipperstein, General Counsel, Verizon Wireless (the first three arguing for change, while the last one…well, you know).
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