Press Release
Free Press Praises FCC Action on Handset Exclusivity
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- Speaking at a conference today, Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Copps agreed to open a proceeding on handset exclusivity.
Copps' announcement follows a Senate Commerce Committee hearing yesterday on the issue, and a letter sent to the FCC earlier this week from senators laying out concerns about exclusive deals struck between wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers.
In today's speech, Copps said: "We should open a proceeding to closely examine wireless handset exclusivity arrangements ... and I have instructed the Bureau to begin crafting such an item. The Commission as the expert agency should determine whether some of these arrangements adversely restrict consumer choice or harm the development of innovative devices, and it should take appropriate action if it finds harm."
Read Acting Chairman Copps' remarks: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-291492A1.pdf
Yesterday, Free Press launched FreeMyPhone, a campaign that calls on leaders in Washington to open up wireless networks and promote consumer choice.
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"This is an important step in the right direction. Senate hearings this week exposed the laundry list of harms caused by exclusive deals in the wireless industry. These exclusive deals back consumers into a corner -- forcing them to choose phone or service.
"The path to innovation is paved by openness -- and unlocking devices is a good start. We're grateful to Acting Chairman Copps for listening to the concerns of Congress and consumers and taking a leadership role on this issue."
For more information on Free Press' push for wireless freedom, visit http://www.freepress.net/freemyphone
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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
Copps' announcement follows a Senate Commerce Committee hearing yesterday on the issue, and a letter sent to the FCC earlier this week from senators laying out concerns about exclusive deals struck between wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers.
In today's speech, Copps said: "We should open a proceeding to closely examine wireless handset exclusivity arrangements ... and I have instructed the Bureau to begin crafting such an item. The Commission as the expert agency should determine whether some of these arrangements adversely restrict consumer choice or harm the development of innovative devices, and it should take appropriate action if it finds harm."
Read Acting Chairman Copps' remarks: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-291492A1.pdf
Yesterday, Free Press launched FreeMyPhone, a campaign that calls on leaders in Washington to open up wireless networks and promote consumer choice.
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"This is an important step in the right direction. Senate hearings this week exposed the laundry list of harms caused by exclusive deals in the wireless industry. These exclusive deals back consumers into a corner -- forcing them to choose phone or service.
"The path to innovation is paved by openness -- and unlocking devices is a good start. We're grateful to Acting Chairman Copps for listening to the concerns of Congress and consumers and taking a leadership role on this issue."
For more information on Free Press' push for wireless freedom, visit http://www.freepress.net/freemyphone
###
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
