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WASHINGTON, DC 20510
March 21,2010
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 li
h
Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
We write to share concerns over the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC)
rulemaking on the roaming obligations ofcommercial wireless providers. The
Commission's action in August 2007 clarifying the roaming obligations ofproviders for
voice services, was a step forward for consumers. However, the Commission's work
remains incomplete, and it should advance on data roaming in a timely manner.
We appreciate the Commission's discussion in the National Broadband Plan about the
need to move forward on the open proceeding on data roaming agreements. While we
understand the plan also calls for proceedings on many other important and complex
issues impacting our country's telecommunications policy, we urge the FCC to act
quickly with regards to the roaming proceeding.
Every American owning a wireless device expects seamless connectivity. We believe the
Commission has ample authority under the Communications Act to require automatic
roaming for wireless data services and help satisfy consumer expectations. As you know,
widespread access to wireless service is increasingly essential to our economy, public
safety, and national security. Commission action on data roaming will help ensure
Americans have the ability to communicate regardless ofwhere they live or travel.
These issues are particularly acute for rural and remote communities across the country,
not just those in Alaska and Mississippi. People in rural and remote areas have far fewer
choices and usually pay more than their urban counterparts. The availability ofroaming
services in these areas at reasonable rates is exceptionally important.
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Chairman Genachowski
3/21/2010
Data roaming is a fundamental building block for wireless broadband deployment and
access to wireless data and voice services. Americans in rural communities deserve the
same kind and quality ofadvanced telecommunications services as those residents of
urban areas enjoy. We urge the Commission to act promptly to require licensees to
negotiate automatic data roaming agreements where technologically feasible.
Sincerely,
United States Senator
cc: Commissioner Michael J. Copps
Commissioner Robert M. McDowell
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker