AT&T has a 4G LTE network that uses the 700 MHz band. Verizon has a 4G LTE network that uses the 700 MHz band. Why is it then that AT&T’s 4G LTE subscribers can’t roam on Verizon’s 4G LTE network and vice versa? It’s technically possible, but the way the FCC sees it they want to make sure that AT&T’s network doesn’t interfere with Verizon’s network. That’s bullshit to put it bluntly, and T-Mobile agrees. They wrote a five page letter to the FCC [PDF document] that can best be summed up by the second paragraph on the third page:
“While devices using LTE technology can accommodate multiple bands, there is a practical limit to the number that can be accommodated and incorporating the multiple band classes that may be used throughout the 700 MHz band may be problematic, particularly for carriers that operate outside the 700 MHz band. Those carriers may be required to choose among 700 MHz licensees for roaming partners, rather than potentially roaming with all 700 MHz licensees. If there is a single 700 MHz band class, then consumers will have more choices of systems on which to roam, supporting the Commission’s goals of promoting roaming among carriers, which will ultimately benefit wireless consumers.”
Operators in America, and in most parts of the world, are still competing on the age old “my network is bigger than your network” metric. Roaming deals certainly improve the situation since they force operators to compete on things like customer service and handset subsidies. That’s basically what T-Mobile wants to do here.
Will the FCC grow a pair and force AT&T and Verizon to make their networks interoperable? We certainly hope so, and we actually have regained some confidence in their ability to do awesome things for Americans after they told AT&T that they can’t buy out T-Mobile.
Now we just have to wait to hear what they have to say about this issue.
[Via: Fierce Wireless]