FCC Won't Release Cell Carrier Reliability Data

imuffin writes "MSNBC is reporting that the FCC has been collecting data on the reliability of different cell phone carriers in the US. This data could be invaluable to consumers trying to choose a company to sign a lengthy contract with. Just the same, the FCC won't release the data to consumers, citing national security risks. The data collection on cell services began in 2004, but were simultaneously pulled from public view. FOIA requests to obtain the data have been denied, and commentators feel this is simply for the government's convenience." From the article: "'There is nothing mysterious behind it, it is corporate competition protection,' said [terrorism analyst Roger Cressey] ... 'The only reason for the government to not let these records get out is then one telco provider could run a full-page ad saying 'the government says we're more reliable.'' Cressey added that he couldn't imagine a scenario where the reports would be valuable to terrorists."

Comments

I'll believe they're concerned about security

[gillbates]

When the federal government stops using Microsoft Windows. There hasn't been a Windows release to date that didn't include some back door for a Terrorist Hacker(TM). If they were so serious about security that they won't publish this report, you'd think they would have at least considered the security of their own computer systems.

Or, more likely, it has nothing to do with national security, and everything to do with corporate protectionism.