FCC lets Verizon lock cell phones to network for 60 days after activation [telecom]

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Verizon, seeking to deter theft, gets FCC waiver to lock phones for 60 days.

By Jon Brodkin

Verizon yesterday received the government's permission to lock handsets to its network for 60 days after each device's activation, despite open-access rules that apply to one of Verizon's key spectrum licenses.

The Federal Communications Commission waiver approval said 60-day locks will "allow Verizon to better combat identity theft and other forms of handset-related fraud."