Dive Brief:
- The Institute of Scrap Recycling (ISRI) is pleased with Congress' decision to exempt recyclers and refurbishes of cell phones from a new bill that allows the industry to bulk unlock used devices slated for resale and reconditioning.
- The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act eliminates the disadvantage for recyclers and refurbishers in retail markets.
- Prior to Congress passing the legislation, electronics manufacturers and telecommunication carriers were able to control information needed to unlock, refurbish and resell used cell phones and tablets.
Dive Insight:
ISRI's board approved a cell phone unlocking policy in October 2013, which proposed allowing consumers, recyclers and refurbishers of electronic devices the legal right to unlock these items. It was ISRI's contention that copyright law should not impede reusing cell phones or tablets, or hinder innovations and competitive uses for the devices. ISRI cautioned against the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act in March, when the organization stated that consequences could include outsourcing repair jobs to other countries where unlocking is legal.