Doyle Praises Appeals Court Decision on Data Roaming

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (PA-14) praised today’s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which struck down Verizon Wireless’ challenge of the Federal Communications Commission’s rules regarding data roaming.  This court ruling upholds the FCC’s decision to require wireless carriers to offer data roaming to one another on “commercially reasonable terms.”  

“I applaud this important court decision to protect consumers from racking up exorbitant data charges when roaming outside of their own carrier’s network,” Congressman Doyle said today.  “This decision emphasizes the importance of keeping competitive wireless carriers strong, and it is going to make it much easier for many consumers to use their mobile devices while they're traveling or commuting.”   

“All wireless carriers must be able to offer data services at comparative speeds to other wireless providers in order to stay competitive, given how important mobile services have been in today’s economy,” Congressman Doyle added.  “I was glad to see Chairman Genachowksi’s leadership in implementing the FCC’s rules in 2011, and I am glad to see the FCC’s authority to protect wireless subscribers reaffirmed today.”

Congressman Doyle is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which have jurisdiction over wireless telecommunications issues.  He has been active for years working to help consumers and innovators by promoting greater competition in the wireless communications market.

Congressman Doyle, along with other Members of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, sent a letter to the FCC in March 2011 in support of the agency’s data roaming rules. Click here for a copy of the letter.
 

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