Mobile carriers argue that locking devices helps them lower costs. Consumer protection groups see it a little differently.

The FCC wants all phones to be unlocked after 60 days. Two major mobile carriers do not, but Verizon isn't one of them. Here are their arguments.

T-Mobile and AT&T this week responded to the FCC’s proposed rule requiring providers unlock phones within 60 days of activation—even if they’re under contract and not paid off yet. In their responses,

T-Mobile and AT&T say US regulators should drop a plan to require unlocking of phones within 60 days of activation, claiming that locking phones to a carrier's network makes it possible to provide cheaper handsets to consumers.

The initial announcement was made on June 27, but the FCC officially proposed the rule change less than a month later on July 18. When a rule is officially proposed, typically, the FCC allows for comments and responses from the public.

Gee, I sure love paying for a phone that can’t be moved from my draconian cell phone network,” said no one ever. But that appears to be the sentiment echoed by American networks AT&T and T-Mobile in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).