Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Wireless Device Independence Act of 2013”.
Wireless Device Independence Act of 2013
A BILL
To allow consumers to unlock mobile wireless devices for interoperability purposes.
Sec. 2 Allowing consumers to unlock cell phones
In general— Section 1201(a)(1)(B) of title 17, United States Code, is amended by striking “not apply to persons” and inserting the following: “not apply to—
“(i) a user of a computer program, in the form of firmware or software, that enables a wireless telephone handset, or other wireless device that can connect to the Internet, originally acquired from the operator of a wireless telecommunications network or retailer to connect to a different wireless telecommunications network if—
“(I) the user legally owns a copy of the computer program;
“(II) the use of the computer program by the user is solely for the purpose of connecting to such wireless telecommunications network; and
“(III) the access to such wireless telecommunications network is authorized by the operator of the network; or
“(ii) persons”
in subparagraph (C), by striking “subparagraph (B)” and inserting “subparagraph (B)(ii)”; and
in subparagraph (E), by striking “Neither the exception” and inserting “Neither of the exceptions”.
Sec. 3 Effective date
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect as if enacted on January 26, 2013.