Yes, unlocking phones is legal in South Carolina under federal law, but carriers may impose contractual restrictions. The 2014 Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act permits unlocking for devices not reported stolen or under contract. South Carolina’s 2025 Telecommunications Modernization Act aligns with federal rules, though the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) monitors compliance for transparency in unlocking policies.
Key Regulations for Unlocking Phones in South Carolina
- Federal Compliance: Unlocking is permitted under the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act (2014), which overrides carrier-specific bans for non-stolen, non-contract devices. South Carolina enforces this via the PSC’s oversight of telecom practices.
- Carrier Policies: While unlocking is legal, carriers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T) may require compliance with their unlocking terms, such as full payment of device balances or account in good standing. The PSC mandates carriers disclose unlocking criteria in customer agreements.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: A pending 2026 PSC rule update requires carriers to provide unlocking codes within 24 hours of request if the device meets federal criteria, reducing prior delays. Non-compliant carriers face fines up to $10,000 per violation under the South Carolina Telecommunications Act.