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So, just a quick bit of context here. While the NTIA ask for a rulemaking from the FCC is awesome, we'll see whether the FCC actually act upon it. Based on the

by sinak 13y ago

So, just a quick bit of context here. While the NTIA ask for a rulemaking from the FCC is awesome, we'll see whether the FCC actually act upon it. Based on the most recent statement from the FCC, they're still trying to get carriers to come to a voluntary agreement (i.e. regulate themselves) which would mean less work for the FCC. Either way, the real issue at the heart of unlocking is fixing the anti-circumvention provisions of the DMCA, which would open up the market so that private parties can freely develop and distribute unlocking software. We've been lobbying for this in DC making some degree of progress, but even the best legislation out there right now is quite far from perfect.

pintglass 13y ago
They are not going to change anything related to the DMCA as part of this. It is totally just posturing, and get ready for more of it- they need a lot of PR for people to forget that Putin made Obama, winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, look like a warmongering asshole. That and the naval base shooting has made for a rough past 2 weeks on the administration. But I think that everyone should seize this opportunity to make them put their money where their mouth is. Demand to your senators and the administration that not only allow device unlocking, but allow choosing cable channels we want to pay for, get rid of all unwarranted software and tech patents, make digital rights management uncovered under the law, and stay the heck away from the internet except to enforce the protection of children from predators, but in a way that doesn't involve nonsensical dns hijinks- just track them down and jail them or remove their sex organs.
- davvolun 13y ago
  As a general supporter of Obama, I still don't understand him being awarded that prize...
saurik 13y ago
As I have stated on numerous previous occasions: no, the DMCA is not at the heart of unlocking (assuming it is relevant at all, an argument I have also made); we don't even have an unlock right now for the iPhone that involves bypassing the software restrictions (near as I can tell, third-party unlocks you get right now "fell off the truck" in AT&T's customer support division), nor have we for years; to a customer base that wants to unlock their phones, making it legal for third-parties to do it is a crapshoot, while everyone (from the White House now to those originally involved in the first DMCA exemption) think the FCC could have any interest in just hanging the laws regarding carriers locking them in the first place (and this petition from the White House seems to nail it, requiring the carrier to do the unlock even if you are still under contract: from my reading it largely argues that locking shouldn't even exist). http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5202461 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5202461 (one of my previous public comments)

by sinak 13y ago

pintglass 13y ago

They are not going to change anything related to the DMCA as part of this. It is totally just posturing, and get ready for more of it- they need a lot of PR for people to forget that Putin made Obama, winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, look like a warmongering asshole. That and the naval base shooting has made for a rough past 2 weeks on the administration. But I think that everyone should seize this opportunity to make them put their money where their mouth is. Demand to your senators and the administration that not only allow device unlocking, but allow choosing cable channels we want to pay for, get rid of all unwarranted software and tech patents, make digital rights management uncovered under the law, and stay the heck away from the internet except to enforce the protection of children from predators, but in a way that doesn't involve nonsensical dns hijinks- just track them down and jail them or remove their sex organs.

davvolun 13y ago
As a general supporter of Obama, I still don't understand him being awarded that prize...

saurik 13y ago

As I have stated on numerous previous occasions: no, the DMCA is not at the heart of unlocking (assuming it is relevant at all, an argument I have also made); we don't even have an unlock right now for the iPhone that involves bypassing the software restrictions (near as I can tell, third-party unlocks you get right now "fell off the truck" in AT&T's customer support division), nor have we for years; to a customer base that wants to unlock their phones, making it legal for third-parties to do it is a crapshoot, while everyone (from the White House now to those originally involved in the first DMCA exemption) think the FCC could have any interest in just hanging the laws regarding carriers locking them in the first place (and this petition from the White House seems to nail it, requiring the carrier to do the unlock even if you are still under contract: from my reading it largely argues that locking shouldn't even exist). http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5202461 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5202461 (one of my previous public comments)