FCC Turns Down Opportunity To Require SMS Roaming
by Russell Shaw
Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission issued a major ruling on the roaming services major wireless carriers will be obligated to provide smaller, primarily rural carrier customers when their customers roam into a major carrier’s coverage area.
Long story short:
Voice has to be provided: no rate restrictions set.
Unfortunately, SMS and data didn’t quite make the list of required services that will need to be provided to small carrier-roamers.
This omission didn’t sit well with the FCC’s two Democratic Members.
“I believe we should have taken another step forward today,” Commissioner Michael Copps said at the meeting. “Consumers rely upon their mobile handsets these days for a dizzying array of data services, going well beyond those we cover in today’s item.”
Bravo, Commish. Mobile messaging roaming should always be provided.
FCC Chair Kevin Martin indicated he favors a more market-driven approach. In other words, if small-carrier roamers yell loud enough and prove their case, then, well…
