Press Release
Free Press Calls for More Competition in Wireless Market
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- Today, Free Press and five other consumer groups filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission for the agency's annual report on competition in the wireless market.
The filing highlights numerous problems in the wireless industry that limit consumer choice, raise prices and slow innovation. The groups – Free Press, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Media Access Project, New America Foundation and Public Knowledge -- also point to data that show reduced growth, investment and innovation in the market because of a lack of competition; they go on to suggest a comprehensive evaluation of the wireless market by the FCC.
"As wireless technology becomes more and more essential in the everyday lives of Americans, the FCC must prevent barriers to competition that slow innovation and growth. The industry’s biggest players are blocking competition and limiting consumer choice – even as they enjoy sky-high profits," said Chris Riley, policy counsel of Free Press.
"Congress, the Department of Justice, consumers and smaller wireless carriers have all expressed concern about lack of competition in the wireless market. The FCC needs to dig deeper to examine whether a few giants are standing in the way of competition and progress."
The comments filed today strongly refute claims in a letter sent by AT&T to the Justice Department last week, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, that American wireless services are among the most innovative and lowest priced in the world. The Justice Department reportedly has begun investigating antitrust issues in the wireless industry.
Read the comments on wireless competition: http://www.freepress.net/files/CMRSCompReplyComments7-13.pdf
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. 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
The filing highlights numerous problems in the wireless industry that limit consumer choice, raise prices and slow innovation. The groups – Free Press, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Media Access Project, New America Foundation and Public Knowledge -- also point to data that show reduced growth, investment and innovation in the market because of a lack of competition; they go on to suggest a comprehensive evaluation of the wireless market by the FCC.
"As wireless technology becomes more and more essential in the everyday lives of Americans, the FCC must prevent barriers to competition that slow innovation and growth. The industry’s biggest players are blocking competition and limiting consumer choice – even as they enjoy sky-high profits," said Chris Riley, policy counsel of Free Press.
"Congress, the Department of Justice, consumers and smaller wireless carriers have all expressed concern about lack of competition in the wireless market. The FCC needs to dig deeper to examine whether a few giants are standing in the way of competition and progress."
The comments filed today strongly refute claims in a letter sent by AT&T to the Justice Department last week, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, that American wireless services are among the most innovative and lowest priced in the world. The Justice Department reportedly has begun investigating antitrust issues in the wireless industry.
Read the comments on wireless competition: http://www.freepress.net/files/CMRSCompReplyComments7-13.pdf
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. 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
