Verizon is reportedly working to eliminate a 35-day waiting period for unlocking fully paid-off phones. This policy, which has drawn criticism, forces customers to wait after paying off device installment plans through various methods.
Verizon stated that while immediate unlocking is already available for payments made at corporate stores or via automated methods, the 35-day window for other channels is currently in place for fraud prevention. However, the company acknowledges this as a "pain point" and aims to offer immediate unlocks for all payment methods "really soon," with teams actively working to address the issue. A specific timeline for the policy change has not yet been provided.
Historically, Verizon operated under FCC-imposed conditions that favored more consumer-friendly unlocking policies. Recent waivers from the FCC have allowed the carrier to implement longer waiting periods, contributing to the current controversy. The rollout of the revised policy has been described as confusing, with discrepancies noted in how terms are presented to customers online and at the point of sale.