GAO Report Examining Changes to Wireless Industry in Last Decade Released
On August 26, Rep. Edward
J. Markey, Rep. Rick Boucher, and Rep. Henry A. Waxman released a GAO report
examining changes in the wireless industry over the past decade. The
report recommends that the FCC expand its data collection on such metrics as
special access rates, prices, and capital expenditures in order to improve its
monitoring and annual reporting on competition in the wireless market.
“Today’s report offers
important insights into the wireless industry and the FCC’s efforts to assess
industry competition and consumer protection,” said Rep. Markey. “The GAO
has noted that the FCC has made progress to improve its data collection and
assessment activities with more work to be done. Over the past decade,
consumers have benefited from significantly lower prices for wireless services
and better coverage. Still, issues such as early termination fees charged
by carriers – which raise concerns both from a consumer protection and a
competition standpoint – handset exclusivity arrangements, acquisition of
spectrum and industry consolidation all should be closely examined.”
The report, “Enhanced Data
Collection Could Help FCC Better Monitor Competition in the Wireless Industry,”
reviews the changes in the wireless industry since 2000 and how those changes
have benefited consumers through lower prices and better coverage.
However, industry consolidation has also reduced the ability of small and
regional carriers to be competitive, raising concerns that a lack of
competition in the market could result in higher fees and deteriorating service
for consumers.
Click here
to read the full report.