FCC indicates special-access measures could move 'soon'

The Federal Communications Commission indicated August 26 it might move soon on special-access issues, a concern for wireless providers who have to pay bigger companies to connect their cell towers to wireline networks.

Companies such as Sprint Nextel argue they pay too much in special access rates to Verizon and AT&T, and it raises consumers' bills. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released on Thursday said policymakers should seek better information. Rick Kaplan, the chief counsel to the FCC chairman, said the agency is pleased the GAO recognized "the need for the FCC to collect more comprehensive data on special access." He said the agency "will soon be taking steps to address many of the issues raised in the report."