8.91 Telecommunications Instrument-Illegal Modification (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1029(a)(7)) is a federal crime which prohibits the unauthorized modification of any type of telecommunications instrument. This includes any instrument, hardware, software, or other device that is used to transmit or receive telecommunications, including an electronic serial number, mobile identification number, or other device serial number. This law also applies to any instrument that has been altered in any way to circumvent the protections or controls placed on the instrument, such as passwords or encryption. Examples of 8.91 Telecommunications Instrument-Illegal Modification (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1029(a)(7)) include altering the serial number or hardware configuration of a mobile phone, illegally unlocking a phone to access another network, or modifying the software on a phone to access unauthorized features or services. Other types of illegal modification include reprogramming a wireless device to gain access to a restricted frequency, or using a modified device to access a secure network or service.