The FCC, in a 3 to 2 vote, has made data roaming mandatory for America’s two largest operators: AT&T and Verizon. Until now smaller operators wanting to roam on the networks of the big boys only had access to voice, but since voice usage is declining as more and more people opt to use their smartphones to email, Facebook, and tweet their friends, it only makes sense to extend the roaming requirements to support data. Verizon is obviously upset, saying: “Today’s action represents a new level of unwarranted government intervention. By forcing carriers that have invested in wireless infrastructure to make those networks available to competitors that avoid this investment, at a price ultimately determined by the FCC, discourages network investment in less profitable areas. That is directly contrary to the interests of rural America and … it is a defeat for both consumers and the innovation fostered by true competition.”
It’s not like the FCC is asking Verizon and AT&T to give competitors access for free, they get to dictate “commercially reasonable terms”. Providing network coverage is one thing, but these days people judge operators by their customer service, their service plans, and the portfolio of devices they offer. Spots in the network that are already strained are going to be under even more stress, but that extra source of income can be used to further expand the network. And besides, this new mandatory roaming agreement is meant more for rural communities. It doesn’t make sense for a small operator that serves less than a few million customers to put up lots of towers when they can just erect towers where coverage is low and then piggy back on another network where service is easy to obtain. Republicans are the ones who voted no to this, are you surprised?
Anyway, enjoy your improved reception all you guys and gals who prefer living in the country side.
[Via: Phone Scoop]