Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) wrote to FCC acting Chairman Michael Copps June 15th to voice their concern about wireless dualopolies. They contend that exclusive deals between cell phone makers and wireless carriers are unfairly impacting competition and restricting consumer choice in the commercial wireless marketplace. Alliances like Apple’s iPhone with AT&T and Palm Pre with Sprint are blocking compitition in the mobile space according to the complaint. They wrote:
"Based on this record, we ask that you examine this issue carefully and act expeditiously should you find that exclusivity agreements unfairly restrict consumer choice or adversely impact competition in the commercial wireless marketplace.
Kerry, who is chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, is also holding a hearing June 17 over the exclusive deals.
The subject of exclusivity agreements between wireless carriers and handset manufacturers will be a focal point of this hearing, and the record will help to determine whether legislative action is also necessary,"
One comparison made was to fixed line lines in the 70’s. Until the government stepped in AT&T wouldn’t allow other companies to build or sell phones that would work on its lines.
If you’ve been here a few times, you know that we are certainly pro-Kerry on this one.
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