WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission said it will no longer require cellular carriers to provide coverage maps to their customers.
While other wireless carriers have not been obligated to provide coverage maps, many do, so the FCC said the rule requiring cellular carriers provide maps is not necessary.
The FCC’s action was not unanimous; FCC Commissioner Michael Copps dissented. “Markets depend on information. . Without information, however, consumers are in the dark. They cannot comparison shop because they don’t know how products and services differ. They cannot determine how much a product or service is worth, because they do not know the quality of what they are considering purchasing. This lack of information means that sellers are not forced to compete as vigorously. Costs can stay higher and quality can stay lower,” said Copps.