National Sheriffs' Association Applauds FCC Action on Handset Unlocking to Protect Public Safety

January 12, 2026 – (Alexandria, VA) The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Executive Director and CEO Justin Smith released the following statement regarding the FCC’s latest action in handset unlocking.

“America’s Sheriffs applauds the Federal Communications Commission and Chairman Carr for granting Verizon’s petition to waive the handset unlocking rule. The Commission’s action acknowledges that well-intentioned but outdated regulations can create real-world risks when they are exploited by sophisticated criminal networks.