Verizon keeps buttering up the feds, supports law requiring it to provide more roaming
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Jul 24th 2009 9:09AM
posted Jul 24th 2009 9:09AM
Rural and regional carriers have been looking for the FCC to bring down the hammer on compulsory roaming from the big players for years now, and in light of the recent investigations into potential anti-competitive practices, Verizon's throwing yet another bone in an apparent effort to be on its best behavior while the scrutiny continues. This time around, the company is proposing that a law be put in effect requiring it to offer smaller carriers two years of guaranteed roaming contracts in areas where those smaller carriers own spectrum but haven't yet built out their network, with certain situations entitling them to a third year. The regionals weren't happy with the handset exclusivity compromise and they don't appear to be happy with this deal, either -- Leap, owner of Cricket, has already come out and complained that Verizon need roaming contracts "over two decades as it built out its network and acquired competitors" and is only offering a couple years in return, so this battle may be far from over.[Via Phone Scoop]
I hope this helps the T-mobile/AT&T roaming situation.
Verizon didn't need 20 years, because it wasnt around. Verizon Wireless was only formed together by the merger of a bunch of regional players back in like 2000 or so. And just so I make sure I get this right...the rural carriers ( that own spectrum, but havent put up cell sites yet) are pissed at verizon wireless for charging them for using their cellsites? then why did you buy the spectrum??
So let me get this straight, Verizon Wireless made up of Verizon Corp & Vodafone Group, who have the financial backing, you are comparing them to Leap??? Seriously???? Even back when they first started, those 2 ventures had the cash to expand.
Limiting the roaming to 500,000 and under is a JOKE. As well as a slap in the face to the rural carriers. This is America and its the strongest will survive. Don't worry VZW, what comes around goes around. I can only hope when they need the FCC & DOJ for a favor, they get turned down. Even if it means going out of business.
Stingy corp Wireless Companies. The Big 4 carriers deserve no loyalty. All of them are in bed with each other.