< formatted article >

Americans Overwhelmingly Demand Phone Freedom: Survey Reveals 93% Support Unlocking

A groundbreaking survey by Fabrizio Ward has uncovered a near-unanimous demand among U.S. voters: 93% believe phones should be easily unlocked when switching carriers, mirroring the simplicity of keeping one’s phone number.

Bipartisan Support for Change

The push for unlocked phones transcends political divides, with 85% of respondents in favor—including only 6% opposed. More than 70% express strong support for the reform, signaling a rare consensus in a polarized climate.

The Locked Phone Debate

Despite consumers fully owning their devices after payments, many carriers still restrict them to a single network. While carriers argue unlocking is complex and costly, history shows the public can drive industry-wide shifts—number portability was once a battle before becoming standard.

Now, they’re demanding the same freedom for their phones—75% of voters say locking stifles choice, weakens competition, and inflates prices. Nearly half of all Americans view their wireless bills as excessively high.

The Financial Incentive

Unlocked phones could translate to real savings: A household switching plans could save up to $1,200 annually.

Government Steps In

Pressure is mounting on regulators. In March, three Republican senators urged the FCC to mandate automatic unlocking after 180 days for all carriers. They framed it as a pro-consumer, pro-competition move.

With public opinion firmly behind phone freedom, legislators and agencies face growing calls to treat unlocking as a right, not a privilege. Should carriers comply, consumers could negotiate better deals, and used phones may retain greater value in secondary markets.

The message is clear: The era of locked phones is running out of time.