Wireless Companies Agreed to Unlocking Phones: Here's How They Stack Up in Practice

Last week a voluntary agreement made between the CTIA Wireless Association and the FCC went into effect, officially marking the point where consumers can insist on having smartphones and tablets they fully paid for unlocked from any of the four major carriers.

Unlocking Phones and Tablets Now Official -- Here's Everything You Need to Know

Wednesday, Feb. 11, marked an important shift in power to the consumer in the wireless industry. It's the day carriers officially must begin allowing customers to unlock their fully paid phones to use however they like. Here's how.

Smartphone Anti-Theft 'Kill Switch' Strategy Lures 'Voluntary Commitment' from Apple, Samsung, US Mobile Carriers

An international nonprofit membership organization with representation for the wireless communications industry announced its commitment to combat smartphone theft.

Smartphone Kill Switches Coming in 2015: Some Say It's Not Enough

In the beginning of April, Samsung decided to allow users to access anti-theft apps, including a so-called "kill switch" for its Samsung Galaxy S5 on select carriers. Where Samsung goes (and where Apple pretty much already is with "Activation Lock"), so goes the rest of the smartphone industry.

Samsung To Allow User Access to Anti-Theft "Kill Switch" in Some Galaxy S5 Handsets

While the fight over smartphone anti-theft legislation continues in the California State legislature, Samsung has announced its new Galaxy S5 devices will come with the so-called "kill switch" app that law enforcement and government prosecutors have been calling for.

California Lawmakers Push For Kill Switches to Curb Phone Theft: Who's Pushing Back?

California lawmakers are pushing legislation to reduce theft and increase data privacy for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices by mandating that all mobile products sold in the state have a so-called "kill switch."
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