'Jailbreaking' smartphones to become illegal

NBC NATIONAL NEWS — A new federal law takes affect Saturday making it illegal to unlock your phone's software so you can switch cellular networks.

The “jailbreaking” process has become popular in recent years with people who want to keep their smartphone, but change cell companies.

Those who break the law face thousands in fines and possible jail time.

The change in the law does offer a grandfather clause for anyone who unlocked their phone prior to Saturday.