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

Re:they've pretty much proven..

[ivan256]

Oh, give me a break. If that were the case, they would be pusing to prevent the FCC from having anything to do with the carriers at all. The report never would have existed.

More likely, somebody is an idiot and actually believes that data is sensitive, somebody thinks calling the data sensitive will make them seem more important, thus advancing their career, or the report is so poorly done that they want to bury it before people realize their incompetence.

This culture we have of pinning things we don't like on politicians we don't like even if there is no evidence or connection is absurd. It is *the* reason that the leaders of both our major political parties are complete morons who's sole talent is pinning blame on somebody else. We get it. You don't like Bush. But stand up and have some principles. Otherwise you are no better than he is.