AT&T, Verizon may face more roaming obligations under FCC plan

[Ddeere2]

AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the two biggest U.S. mobile-phone carriers, may have to make roaming deals with competitors in more markets under rules the Federal Communications Commission may adopt this month. The proposal by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin would require wireless providers to let some rivals use their networks, for as long as four years, in markets where the competitors own airwaves and are building their own networks. The FCC may vote on the plan by Aug. 22, Martin said Monday on a conference call with reporters. The measure would modify roaming rules adopted by the FCC a year ago. Roaming agreements allow customers of one company to use another network when they travel outside the range of their carriers' cell towers.

AT&T, Verizon may face more roaming obligations under FCC plan - San Jose Mercury News

I wonder if this all because of EU making a lot of steam about their carriers roaming charges

[hf1khal]

I sure hope it happens and it levels the playing field in favor of all the consumers who had been held hostage to the competing providers. I also wish they put a cap on roaming charges on all the providers.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

this is a very good thing because Big Red and Blue need to be taught to play nice and work together with everyone

[Jay2TheRescue]

I think all this means is the price will go up.

-Jay

[UFO]

Sadly, I think it may have to come to this and the "as long as four years" remark is only the beginning. Since At&t and Verizon's only real competition now comes from Sprint and T-Mobile on a national level, roaming obligations with them and regional providers are the only way to ensure that many consumers realistically have more than 2 options without sacrificing a lot of coverage, especially when they're traveling. Sprint and T-Mobile, in the PCS band, will never be able to expand into all the rural areas or have the coverage footprint that At&t and Verizon utilize with their airwave advantage in many areas.

[RadioFoneGuy]

Rememer East Texas Cellular One (not Dobson) was cut off by AT&T last year.

East Texas covers like a 3 county area and had roaming agreements with AT&T and relied heavily on the roaming revenue. AT&T overbuilt the area and over night turned it up and denied its customers roaming.

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I think all this means is the price will go up.

-Jay

Ugh...I was afraid someone would say those ugly words, but I think you're right.