Verizon, a major player in the telecommunications industry, has recently adjusted its phone unlocking policy. Customers activating phones on sub-brands like Visible, TracFone, and Straight Talk will now have to wait 365 days before switching to a different network. This change follows Verizon’s recent permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate its previous 60-day unlocking period.
Unlike the previous automatic unlocking process, customers must now request phone unlocks. Visible’s specific policy allows the 365-day countdown to pause if service payments are stopped, only to resume upon reactivation and continued payments for a full year.
The FCC allowed Verizon to remove its 60-day unlocking restriction due to spectrum license acquisitions and the TracFone purchase. While Verizon is transitioning to the new 365-day wait, phones activated before January 20th, 2026, will still unlock after 60 days.
It’s important to note that Verizon will not unlock devices reported lost or stolen, or linked to fraudulent accounts. The extended unlocking period also applies to other services under Verizon, like Net10 Wireless and Simple Mobile.
This move by Verizon showcases the evolving landscape of phone unlocking policies within the industry, influenced by regulatory decisions and corporate acquisitions.
Source: The Verge