RCA Continues Support for Competitive Markets
Washington, DC – Today, the Rural Cellular Association (RCA) filed comments regarding the FCC’s Net Neutrality proceeding. In the comments, RCA supported the Commission’s efforts to codify the 2005 Internet policy statements.
In a statement released with the comments, RCA CEO and Executive Director Steven K. Berry noted that, “We also support the transparency and nondiscrimination policy initiatives, with reservation. Transparency policy should in fact require a formal complaint process and full disclosure of the complaint. We believe a nondiscrimination policy which prohibits discrimination by broadband providers should encourage investment, innovation, and competition. Discrimination policy is focused on dominant market players, and is not necessarily applicable to small and rural carriers that do not have market dominance.”
Berry continued, “For example, this nondiscrimination principle should be extended to require data roaming agreements for all carriers, which would help maintain a competitive market.”
RCA is also encouraged by the Commission’s action on handset locking, which will loosen the stranglehold market dominant carriers currently hold on many consumers.
Berry commented, “This practice is close to the exclusivity agreements that have been used by market dominant carriers to deny cutting-edge handset functionality to many small carriers who serve rural America.”
RCA looks forward to working with the Commission to ensure a competitive market for consumers in rural America.
To view RCA's full comments, please click here.
Please contact Tim Donovan at (202) 449-9866.
RCA Continues Support for Competitive Markets
Washington, DC – Today, the Rural Cellular Association (RCA) filed comments regarding the FCC’s Net Neutrality proceeding. In the comments, RCA supported the Commission’s efforts to codify the 2005 Internet policy statements.
In a statement released with the comments, RCA CEO and Executive Director Steven K. Berry noted that, “We also support the transparency and nondiscrimination policy initiatives, with reservation. Transparency policy should in fact require a formal complaint process and full disclosure of the complaint. We believe a nondiscrimination policy which prohibits discrimination by broadband providers should encourage investment, innovation, and competition. Discrimination policy is focused on dominant market players, and is not necessarily applicable to small and rural carriers that do not have market dominance.”
Berry continued, “For example, this nondiscrimination principle should be extended to require data roaming agreements for all carriers, which would help maintain a competitive market.”
RCA is also encouraged by the Commission’s action on handset locking, which will loosen the stranglehold market dominant carriers currently hold on many consumers.
Berry commented, “This practice is close to the exclusivity agreements that have been used by market dominant carriers to deny cutting-edge handset functionality to many small carriers who serve rural America.”
RCA looks forward to working with the Commission to ensure a competitive market for consumers in rural America.
To view RCA's full comments, please click here.
Please contact Tim Donovan at (202) 449-9866.