[lysium]

I'm with you that you could by a non-subsidized phone. However, one of the points of the petition is that unlocking is currently illegal _even after the original contract has expired_. Why should that be allowed? The original contract is over, after all. No party should have any rights beyond the contract they've agree upon.

[morpher]

Although this is true (and silly), AT&T (at least) will unlock the phone for you after contract expiration. If this is true of other carriers, then the issue is largely irrelevant.

[TylerE]

I agree that after the contract expires it should be fare game.

[schrodinger]

Is it illegal as in criminal? Or civil, and you could be sued?

[jellicle]

It's a felony, with a fine of up to $500,000 and up to five years in prison. For unlocking one (1) cell phone.