FCC to investigate AT&T, Verizon for anti-competitive behavior

BigDiesel07 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:18 PM

Exclusive phone deals.. High SMS rates.. Could it be collusion between Verizon Wireless and AT&T, who combined have 60% market share in the wireless world? The FCC is looking into allegations that AT&T and Verizon Wireless have engaged in collusion and other illegal business practices to keep prices artificially high and hurt consumer interests.. What do you think?

Source: DSL Reports

Keir333 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:43 PM

It's pretty interesting considering that BGR had an article on their site saying how AT&T are going to require smartphone plans for their customers starting September 6th. Here's the link.

-Keir-

BigDiesel07 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keir333

It's pretty interesting considering that BGR had an article on their site saying how AT&T are going to require smartphone plans for their customers starting September 6th. Here's the link.

-Keir-

True... And along with the FCC investigating for the Google/Apple App issue, a lot is going on..

**syanni85** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:55 PM

eventually, everything is going to turn to Cricket's system... and i believe thats how alot of Europe is doing it right now. You'll have to pay full price on phones, but if a phone is released on another carrier, you don't have any cancellation fees and you can just port your number over.

I think the FCC is doing the right thing and keeping the competition as fair as possible.

sure, AT&T and Verizon have MUCH better networks than t-mobile and cricket (meaning you get what you pay for), but with out those other companies showing you that cellular service doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, there wouldn't have been questionable issues stirring up the FCC

dbord_n · #5 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 07:04 PM

dude i was one of the un happy people who had alltel and now have verizon!! there plans cost 50-60 bucks more then the similar plan i had with alltel!! i can now, never upgrade mine or my wifes phone for when we do we will lose our alltel plan and have to get a new one with verizon!! dude if that isn't shady and not right i don't know what is!! i'm glad this is bringing attition to this but i fear it will just be another one of those headlines that dosen't really mean anything and when its all said and done the only thing that will happen is the big 2 will have to pay a fine to the fcc and continue the same way.

The420Dank · #6 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 07:07 PM

I think that's great and I thank the FCC for chosing to research this.

Magoo_215 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 07:23 PM

I glad to have Sprint... We dont go thru this madness all fair and square over here.

Speed_419 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 07:57 PM

What upsets me is the fact that I pay an additional $40/month for unlimited data, it is only $30/month for a Crackberry, oh and did I mention that in order to send and receive unlimited texts it is another $10. Why is there a discrepancy with the data plans based off of phones since data is data and why do I have to pay more for texts when they are data as well? After all, I can send a text as an e-mail and not get charged so what gives?..
I SOOOO hate Verizon and would change in a heartbeat if someone else had coverage where I live. Unfortunately I don't live in a metro area.

**TnA-2xXtReM** · #9 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 08:20 PM

AT&T have been a bad boy recently.. we must tame them for sure

On a side note, I can't wait to see how AT&T will be without the iPhone especially made for them

**Geekcop** · #10 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 08:25 PM

Not surprised. The wireless carriers step on their ****s every so often, the FCC will investigate, fine the wrongdoer (who will in turn pass the costs on to us), and life will go on.