FCC may probe wireless industry practices: Set to vote on Notice of Inquiry next Thursday

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote Thursday on launching an inquiry into a wide range of wireless industry business practices,including whether there is enough innovation and competition within the industry.
The simple two-page press release on the FCC’s Aug. 27 meeting has the potential to shake up the status quo for traditional wireless carriers as well as new entrants into the marketplace. “The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry to seek to understand better the factors that encourage innovation and investment in wireless and to identify concrete steps the Commission can take to support and encourage further innovation and investment in this area,” the FCC agenda says. Further, the agency could vote on whether to issue a notice of inquiry on wireless competition and truth in billing.
With a new administration and three new members on the FCC, the agency has hinted it may take a closer look at the consolidation of power in the wireless industry. Some public-interest groups, smaller carriers and others have been critical lately about long-standing wireless business practices, including handset exclusivity agreements, early-termination fees and device subsidies, as well as roaming agreements among carriers.
The nation’s top four carriers control more than 80% of the market.