RCA Calls on FCC to Prevent Balkanization of 700 MHz Spectrum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Lucy Tutwiler

August 10, 2010                                                                                                          (202) 449-9866

RCA Calls on FCC to Prevent Balkanization of 700 MHz Spectrum

Washington, DC – Today in an ex parte letter filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission), RCA (Rural Cellular Association) called on the FCC to prevent the balkanization of the 700 MHz spectrum.  RCA submitted an economic paper explaining that interoperability is crucial in order for both public safety and consumers to reap the benefits of roaming and access to the latest handsets and continues to urge the Commission to mandate interoperability across all paired bands of 700 MHz spectrum.

In a statement, RCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “In order for the FCC to achieve its goal of promoting competition and innovation in the wireless marketplace, it is imperative that the FCC mandate interoperability across all bands of 700 MHz spectrum.  Verizon Wireless and AT&T have a near-duopoly and allowing them to adopt restrictive device practices would not only undermine competition, but it would also reduce consumer choice and slow the build out of broadband in rural America.  If the FCC is serious about bringing broadband to unserved and underserved areas, it must put an end to handset exclusivity and mandate interoperability.”

RCA’s economic paper, “700 MHz Device Flexibility Promotes Competition” is available here.

About RCA

RCA is the nation's leading association for wireless providers serving rural areas of the United States. The licensed service area of RCA's nearly 90 members covers more than 80 percent of the nation.

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