FCC PROBES WIRELESS INDUSTRY

By K.C.Bishoppe

The FCC has launched numerous inquiries into the wireless industry. The inquires come after consumer groups and users said that exclusive smartphone deals and other industry practices are unfairly boosting wireless practices.

Actual complaints filed with the FCC rose 47% between 2007 and 2008. That percentage is considered significant.

A notice of inquiry generally is the first step in the process of creating new FCC policy. At the meeting where the inquiries were approved, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that the FCC was at a pivotal moment in the history of the mobile industry where transitioning from a voice-centric world to a world of ubiquitous, mobile Internet access is taking place.

Consumer groups complain that wireless carriers are charging more but not improving service. They also note that all of the carriers charge approximately the same amount and raise and lower their prices in unison. They hope to discourage simultaneous price increases and create more stability if the federal government injects more competition into the wireless market.