The Federal Communications Commission finalized a rule change on January 12, 2026 that eliminates Verizon’s 60‑day requirement for unlocking mobile phones. The adjustment removes a mandate that had been in place since 2007 and had been extended to prepaid devices after Verizon’s acquisition of TracFone in 2021.
Verizon had reported that the 60‑day rule contributed to the loss of 784,000 devices in 2023 alone, a figure that translated into hundreds of millions of dollars in fraud‑related expenses. Criminal networks had used the loophole to steal and resell unlocked phones on the dark web, with activity concentrated in Russia, China, and Cuba.
By scrapping the 60‑day unlocking requirement, Verizon is expected to reduce its fraud costs, streamline the unlocking process, and bring its policy in line with the industry norm of unlocking postpaid phones after payment and prepaid phones after one year. The change also tightens Verizon’s security posture by closing a known vulnerability that had been exploited by organized crime.
The FCC’s decision follows Verizon’s own request to the agency, citing the growing threat of handset trafficking and the need to protect consumers and the company’s network. The rule change aligns Verizon with the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service, a voluntary standard that most carriers already follow. The alignment is anticipated to simplify operations, reduce a specific point of regulatory risk, and reinforce Verizon’s focus on cost discipline and operational efficiency.
While no immediate market reaction has been reported, the regulatory win is a material development that could improve Verizon’s cost structure and competitive positioning. The change may also encourage other carriers to adopt similar unlocking standards, potentially reshaping industry practices.
In summary, the FCC’s removal of the 60‑day unlocking rule is a significant regulatory event that could save Verizon hundreds of millions of dollars annually, strengthen its security framework, and streamline its device‑unlocking operations.
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