The FCC approved a data-roaming rule that will allow consumers to access the internet from their smart phones anywhere in the nation even if their carrier doesn’t provide coverage in that area.
The rule requires mobile broadband providers to provide data roaming to other carriers and their customers on “commercially reasonable” terms and conditions. The FCC believes this will help promote competition.
AT&T and Verizon have both come out against the ruling, arguing that the rules are an unnecessary overreach of the FCC’s power.
Smaller Carriers, such as Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and Leap Wireless (which is the provider of Cricket), have come out in support of the ruling. Both Sprint and Leap have issued strong statements in favor of the rules.
“It makes sense that this is a big company vs. small company debate. Larger roaming coverage is a huge factor in why people move from small to big, but now that won’t matter,” said freshman Emily Rosen.
Verizon Wireless opposed the order saying the FCC doesn’t have the authority to regulate Internet service providers.
Verizon Communications, Verizon Wireless’ parent company, has already sued the FCC in federal court over Internet access rules known as net neutrality and Jeffery Silva, an analyst with Medley Global Advisors, told Fierce Wireless that he predicts Verizon will sue them again over this ruling.
“I don’t think this is the final rule from the FCC on this issue…I have a feeling they’re going to be under so much pressure from here on out they’ll have to release another statement. Maybe even another rule,” said senior Lindsey Yellen.
The rules were approved on a party line, 3-2 vote, with Democrats voting to pass it.