ISRI applauds the passing this week of the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act (S.517/H.R.1123) that reinstates the exemption for recyclers and refurbishers to bulk unlock used cell phones for resale.
ISRI applauds the passing this week of the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act (S.517/H.R 1123) that reinstates the exemption for recyclers and refurbishers to bulk unlock used cell phones for resale. ReMA thanks the leadership of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and his counterpart, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for working together to get this bill passed and removing the “bulk unlocking” provision that harmed recyclers and refurbishers. This Act allows recyclers and refurbishers to continue to bulk unlock used cell phones in the most competitive manner without the interference of service providers by instating the 2010 exemption.
ISRI’s board of directors passed policy on cell phone unlocking in October 2013 as electronics manufacturers and telecommunication carriers are wielding the power of copyright to control access to information necessary to unlock, refurbish and resale used technological devices, such as cell phones and tablets.
This Act is consistent with ISRI’s policy and removes a competitive disadvantage to recyclers and refurbishers in the marketplace. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. For more information about ISRI’s position on bulk unlocking or this Act, please contact ReMA staff
Eric Harris.