AT&T want the ability to lock eSIMs to be standardised, so that you can't use it on another network. But eSIMs are permanently embedded into phones, and phones

AT&T want the ability to lock eSIMs to be standardised, so that you can't use it on another network. But eSIMs are permanently embedded into phones, and phones getting thinner means they soon won't have slots for physical SIMs. (Apart from the charger, it's already the last port on many phones.) So it would effectively lock the entire device, which is incredibly wasteful. The FTC sees this as consumer unfriendly and potentially collusive and anti competitive in how it's being pursued. If GSMA continues, then AT&T will have to play it safe by backing down from their position. So, they are pausing the entire process. If the FTC turns out to have no teeth, then AT&T will be able to pursue locking eSIMs again.