FCC mandates wireless data roaming

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to require "reasonable" data roaming between mobile networks. The measure is largely aimed at AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the two carriers with the biggest footprints.

As typically is the case in the communications business, smaller and rural carriers have pushed for the data roaming rules, because such interconnection rules, provided at reasonable rates, allow smaller carriers to provide service out of region using the other carrier networks.

Also as a rule, larger carriers oppose mandatory rules of this sort because they allow smaller carriers to compete without having to invest in actual infrastructure.

FCC mandates wireless data roaming | Reuters