Fair Access to Cellular Frequencies

Petition addressed to: Chair of the Petitions Committee (European Parliament, 1047 Brussels, Belgium)

Introduction
We, the undersigned, hereby petition phone manufacturers and regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, to address an issue that has frustrated and inconvenienced countless consumers across the globe. The problem at hand pertains to region-locked phones and the unjust restrictions imposed on them through software-based cellular frequency disabling. We believe that it is high time for phone manufacturers to act responsibly and unlock the full potential of the hardware they sell to consumers.
Background
In recent times, an unusual number of mobile phone manufacturers have taken actions to combat the gray market of mobile devices in various countries, by blocking phones that were not officially homologated by the local regulator or purchased from unauthorized suppliers and importers. This practice, initiated by companies such as ZTE, Motorola, OPPO, Samsung, and Xiaomi, involves notifying affected users and, in some cases, implementing drastic measures like complete device lockdown.
The root of this issue lies in the rise of online marketplaces, where consumers have found alternative options for purchasing mobile devices, gadgets, and equipment from other countries. The appeal of this gray market has been driven by significant differences in pricing compared to official offerings and the availability of devices not otherwise accessible in the local market. While users of these devices were initially aware of certain limitations, such as network compatibility and the activation of specific functions, these issues were generally outweighed by the cost savings. However, recent developments have disrupted this status quo.
The Purpose of This Petition: This petition aims to bring attention to the unjust practice of disabling cellular frequencies through software locks and to advocate for a fair solution. We implore phone manufacturers to reconsider their approach and unlock the full potential of phones by enabling all cellular frequencies that their hardware can support, eliminating arbitrary restrictions based on geographic regions.
Key Objectives

1. Unlock All Capable Frequencies: We demand that phone manufacturers unlock all cellular frequencies that the hardware can support, eliminating arbitrary restrictions based on geographic regions.
2. Fair Treatment for Consumers: Manufacturers should cease blaming consumers for using their phones in different regions and take responsibility for creating internationally compliant devices.
3. Updates for Existing Devices: Manufacturers should provide updates for existing devices to unlock the disabled frequencies, ensuring that consumers' investments are maximized.
4. Transparency: Manufacturers should provide clear information to consumers about the capabilities of their devices and the regions where these features are enabled.

Consumer Rights Protection
In addition to the above objectives, we urge regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, to implement measures that protect consumer rights, especially in cases where manufacturers attempt to block imported devices or create undue limitations on their functionality. We call for greater transparency, fairness, and the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent the unjust disabling of devices.
Conclusion
We believe that consumers should not be penalized for acquiring phones from different regions or for traveling internationally. It is unjust for manufacturers to use software to limit the potential of devices that are otherwise identical in hardware. By signing this petition, we urge phone manufacturers to reconsider their approach and make smartphones more accessible and versatile for consumers worldwide. We also call upon regulatory bodies to support our cause and promote fairness and transparency in the mobile technology industry while protecting the rights of consumers.
Sign the Petition
Please add your signature to this petition and join us in advocating for fair access to cellular frequencies and the protection of consumer rights. Together, we can make a difference in the mobile technology industry and ensure that consumers receive the full value of their investments.