Would you purchase a vehicle if the manufacturer limited and controlled how often you could use the air conditioner, at what volume you could play the radio or even at what speed you could drive? The answer of course is no.

For the average Galaxy S5 user a locked bootloader may be something of little concern. However for many users the Galaxy S5 is not just a communications device. Tinkering, experimenting, and customizing this device is both a passion and a hobby for many of us. This enthusiastic use of the Galaxy S5 is directly linked to the advancement of Android at large. Many valued Android developers got their start by learning about Android thanks to the exploration an unlocked bootloader allows.

Not only does the freedom offered by an unlocked bootloader propel Android forward as a platform, but it is the foundation of many online communities. Forums such as XDA-Developers, Android Central, and Rootz Wiki (just to name a few) are rich, friendly communities where people educate one another and as a group unlock the full potential of their devices. Yes, their devices—this bring me to my next point. Galaxy S5 users have purchased their device and a locked bootloader places limitations on what they may do with their own property. It simply is not right.

It is for these reasons and many others that we the undersigned request that Verizon Wireless and/or Samsung Mobile allow users with account authorization to request an unlock. This solution would allow owners of the Galaxy S5 to use the device to its fullest while absolving Verizon Wireless/Samsung Mobile of the risks and financial troubles that are typically incurred when inevitably a security exploit is found and root is achieved.