Press Release
Data Roaming Rules Needed to Spur Competition in Mobile Broadband Market
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON – In an effort to increase competition in the market for mobile high-speed Internet, the Federal Communications Commission is proposing rules that will require wireless carriers to offer data roaming on reasonable terms to other service providers. Free Press encourages the FCC’s proposal and filed Reply Comments in support today.
M. Chris Riley, Free Press policy counsel, said:
“Growing consolidation and other problems in the mobile broadband industry have created a clear need for reform by the FCC. Consumers of mobile broadband services in the United States pay too much for poor service, because a broken market has left them with no better options. The FCC has recognized the market’s problems and now needs to solve them.
“Automatic data roaming rules would help provide consumers with more choices, particularly in rural areas where fewer providers have built facilities. More consumer choices lead to more competition, which in turn means lower prices, higher investment and better service quality. And where the industry does not adopt reforms voluntarily, the FCC can and should step in. For data roaming, the record is clear -- immediate action is needed and is almost universally supported by industry and consumer groups. We urge the FCC to bring a swift resolution to this matter.”
Read Free Press' comments here: http://www.freepress.net/files/Data_Roaming_Reply_Comments_07_12_2010.pdf
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
M. Chris Riley, Free Press policy counsel, said:
“Growing consolidation and other problems in the mobile broadband industry have created a clear need for reform by the FCC. Consumers of mobile broadband services in the United States pay too much for poor service, because a broken market has left them with no better options. The FCC has recognized the market’s problems and now needs to solve them.
“Automatic data roaming rules would help provide consumers with more choices, particularly in rural areas where fewer providers have built facilities. More consumer choices lead to more competition, which in turn means lower prices, higher investment and better service quality. And where the industry does not adopt reforms voluntarily, the FCC can and should step in. For data roaming, the record is clear -- immediate action is needed and is almost universally supported by industry and consumer groups. We urge the FCC to bring a swift resolution to this matter.”
Read Free Press' comments here: http://www.freepress.net/files/Data_Roaming_Reply_Comments_07_12_2010.pdf
# # #
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
