Currently, if you decide to move from one wireless carrier to another, you need to purchase a new phone as well.  Each wireless carrier currently approves which mobile devices will work on their network.

Soon a large chunk of new airwave frequencies will be up for auction by the FCC - and, with them, new rules will take into effect.  Consumers will be able to bring their own wireless device with them and download any software they want.

This will allow companies to enter the wireless electronics industry easier and give consumers more choice.