No doubt that carriers are behind Motorola's actions, even going back to 2005. It is easy to imagine AT&T requiring that manufacturers prosecute end-users who unlock phones to the full extent of the law, as a condition for certifying a device on their network. This new dictum from the Library of Congress[1] actually extends the law and most likely the obligations of device manufacturers.
During the days of the Bell monopoly, consumers faced similar restrictions on what they could connect to the network... I'm not that old, but I remember being stunned as a kid when I saw what could be accomplished simply by connecting my computer to the phone network.
At a time when the nation needs new engines of economic growth, it's a real shame to see communications policy that continues to protect the entrenched incumbents while shying away from promoting innovation.
P.S. There is also a White House petition to appoint Susan Crawford as chair of the FCC and she seems to be very in touch with these issues.
During the days of the Bell monopoly, consumers faced similar restrictions on what they could connect to the network... I'm not that old, but I remember being stunned as a kid when I saw what could be accomplished simply by connecting my computer to the phone network.
At a time when the nation needs new engines of economic growth, it's a real shame to see communications policy that continues to protect the entrenched incumbents while shying away from promoting innovation.
P.S. There is also a White House petition to appoint Susan Crawford as chair of the FCC and she seems to be very in touch with these issues.
[1] http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-01-25/unlocking-phone-...