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Senators To Examine Exclusive Handset Deals

Posted by kdawson on from the baby-steps-toward-openness dept.

narramissic writes "Based on a request that a group of rural operators sent asking the FCC to examine the practice of handset exclusivity, four members of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet sent a letter to the FCC expressing their concern. Small operators, like U.S. Cellular argue (PDF) that 'exclusive handset contracts divide wireless customers into haves and have nots.' But nationwide operators, including Verizon, maintain (PDF) that 'in the absence of exclusivity agreements, wireless carriers would have less incentive to develop and promote innovative handsets.' The Commerce Committee expects to hold a hearing on the issue tomorrow."

2 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. Re:"Develop and promote"? by Austerity+Empowers · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    If random people got the ability to use the phone of their choice, and treat their wireless company as a bandwidth provider, a lot of value would be destroyed.

  2. Re:Carriers != Manufacturers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Oh, yes... but wait... who cares?