Wireless industry pushes back on data roaming regulation

Verizon and AT&T, the nation's two largest wireless carriers, oppose the Federal Communications Commission's proposed data roaming rules for mobile devices, arguing further regulation will harm consumers and discourage private investment.

The proposed rules would require carriers to sign agreements to allow reciprocal roaming on each other's networks without users being hit with high roaming charges. The FCC already has a similar policy in place with regards to mobile voice services, but data services like mobile Internet and e-mail were excepted from that 2007 rule. In comments submitted June 14 to the FCC, Verizon argued the rules are unnecessary because a number of carriers — including Verizon — have already entered into voluntary roaming agreements with each other. Verizon also claims the FCC lacks the authority to police data roaming because it is not a common carrier service and not covered under the Communications Act.