The FCC’s First Target: Wireless Phones

James Gattuso / August 24, 2009

Don’t look now, but the FCC is back in business. For some nine months the Federal Communications Commission had been operating with no permanent chairman, and with 3 of its 5 commissioner seats vacant. Now, with the confirmation of new chairman Julius Genachowski, and new commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Attwell Baker, the agency is locked, loaded, and ready to go.

It’s first target? Not broadcasters, despite talk of a revived Fairness Doctrine, or Internet providers, despite talk of “net neutrality” regulation. Their turn may come soon, but first up will be the wireless industry. Specifically, in a meeting next week, the agency will launch investigations of wireless competition and billing practices, with an eye toward imposing new regulations on the sector. (more…)