The Most Ridiculous Law of 2013 (So Far): It Is Now a Crime to Unlock Your Smartphone

[LTR]

48. If done correctly, rooting a phone is almost stupid proof

I've rooted several and installed custom Cyanogenmod-based ROMs. The task isn't all that complicated if you at least have an idea of how it all works, and tew importance of a good recovery. Carriers don't like it much because it allows users to uninstall all the crapware that comes with it. And yes, it does open the doors to activities such as Wi-Fi tethering without paying the extra fee. The law says that if we own the phone, we can do whatever the hell we want to it. The only thing they can do is deny warranty service, which seems fair.

I am currently with a no-contract carrier, as I got sick of all the contract B.S. When one purchases a phone outright from a no-contract carrier, they can do whatever the hell they want with it, though most of those phones are locked into a particular carrier.

The law seems like it was designed by AT&T to keep people from taking their old iPhone 3s (and now 4s) to Wal-Mart or T-Mobile to put on their services (which they can do). Under a contact, the carrier is subsidizing your phone (almost like car financing). But when that contract end, the phone is paid off and no obligation remains, customers should have the right to do whatever the want with them, including unlocking and bringing to a rival
compatible carrier.