Originally Posted by murphy
I think that badly written story is leading you astray.
Here's a more informative link.
You are right! Its a firmware issue and is exception 5 of 6
"5. Computer programs in the form of firmware that enable wireless telephone handsets to connect to a wireless telephone communication network, when circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of lawfully connecting to a wireless telephone communication network."
http://www.copyright.gov/1201/index.html