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FCC Opens Market for Cable Boxes
fistfullast33l writes "The FCC rendered a decision today against a Comcast appeal that centers on integrated security features in set-top cable boxes. The decision comes at the end of a long standing feud between the FCC and cable companies over the matter. The result is that starting July 1st, cable boxes distributed by cable companies must not be tied directly to a cable provider via internal security features. This rule is viewed as the first step in creating a market for set-top cable boxes. Comcast does have the right to appeal and has said they will do so. From the article: 'Several major consumer electronics manufacturers have argued that if set-top boxes weren't directly linked to the provision of cable service, they could enter the set-top market. Consumers could get a cable card from their service provider that they could insert into a set-top box purchased at a consumer electronics store. The cards would ensure that consumers could only access channels that they paid for.'"
In the US, it's mainly a subsidized market where part of your bill goes to paying for the free/discounted phone. In order to keep you from signing up for a phone and immediately dumping the carrier, they lock the phones. (it's also to their benefit if you switch cause then they tell you to buy a new phone). However, it is my understanding that tmobile/cingular will give you unlock codes if you call up after ~3 months on the contract.
As for me, I've either purchased an unlocked phone (I used to work for a phone mfr), or get a nokia and generate my own unlock code.
Note: If your contract is up and you plan on keeping your phone for another year or 2, it's probably in your best interest to renew the contract and get a "free phone" out of it. hey, you're paying for it having the free phone or not.
Grump
Is it true that more people vote for the winner of American Idol, than vote for the president? -Ali G.
My biggest problem is that even if you buy your phone outright, you still don't get a discount on your bill, so you're paying for that free phone anyway. Granted you can switch providers any time you want, but there's still all the other hassles that go along with it. People won't switch providers every 2 months when a better deal comes along, just because they can. If they offer good services at competitive rates, then they shouldn't worry about people switching providers all the time. So my advice is that same as yours. If you don't have a problem with your current provider, sign the contract, and get a free/cheaper phone out of the deal. Any other way you're getting ripped off on your bill.
Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.