Encourages Speedy Action on Broadband Agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 21, 2010
Contact: Liz Rose, Communications Director, 202-265-1490 x 32

WASHINGTON -- At the Federal Communications Commission’s monthly open meeting on Wednesday, Commissioners voted on several agenda items for the recently released National Broadband Plan, including wireless voice and data roaming items that will improve current competition problems in the wireless market, and initial steps toward reform of the Universal Service Fund and rules promoting competition in the cable set top box market.

At the meeting, the FCC voted unanimously to eliminate the home roaming exception for voice services, and to continue to develop its existing record on data roaming. The removal of the home roaming exception should help smaller wireless companies offer affordable nationwide voice services, although these companies still face competitive disadvantages in areas such as exclusive deals for popular mobile devices, high costs for special access and backhaul, and smaller spectrum holdings.

Chris Riley, Free Press policy counsel, issued the following statement:

“We are encouraged that the Commission has taken action on wireless roaming. The removal of the home roaming exception for voice services will help resolve one of the many current obstacles to effective competition in the wireless market. This is welcome progress on the wireless front and we would like to see more activity on these issues soon. Today’s meeting kicked off important first steps in the Plan, but the FCC’s work on many of these items is just beginning. We urge the agency to act quickly to bring affordable broadband to all Americans. “

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