Why US Wireless Isn't Wide Open

Geoffery B tips a story in Business Week about why the US cellular carriers' talk about opening up their networks rings hollow. "Even as the wireless industry chants a new gospel about opening mobile phone networks to outside devices and applications, some of the biggest US carriers are quietly blocking new services that would compete with their own. Would-be mobile-service providers, ranging from startups to major banks to eBay's PayPal, have encountered these roadblocks, erected by the likes of AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In some cases, cellular carriers have backed down, but only after inflicting costly delays on the new services."

Comments

Are US numbers portable?

[bogaboga]

In my case, I would like to know whether US cell phone numbers are portable. That is to say; can one have a number say 123-456-7890 in Detroit pegged to carrier ABC switch to another carrier and still retain the same number 123-456-7890?

The Spectrum should be democratic and FREE

[zymano]

And not leased to businesses that prices propped and want spectrum hoarded to prevent competition.

THERE NEEDS TO BE AN ALTERNATIVE.

Open the frequencies. Create a wireless open network. Install public towers if necessary.

Public deserves atleast a lowcost emergency phone which doesn't need the monthly and yearly contract slavery.