Friday, February 10, 2012

Genachowski Concerned By Wireless Access

August 25, 2009

genachowski_nj.jpgFCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday expressed concerns about Americans' access to new wireless offerings ahead of a Thursday commission meeting that some believe will put telecommunications giants like AT&T and Verizon in the hot seat for engaging in business practices that could be viewed as harmful to competition and consumer choice. "I am awed by the innovation we've seen," he said in an interview with CongressDaily. "[But] if you live in some parts of the country where you don't have access to a company that has an exclusive relationship with a smart-phone provider, you just can't get one."

Genachowski said the "complete lack of access" is a critical issue for the FCC to explore. At Thursday's meeting, the five-member panel is expected to vote on whether to launch an expansive inquiry into the wireless industry, which he said stems from the need to "make sure we have a set of policies in place that create the greatest possible climate for investment and that protect and empower consumers. It's essential that we have vibrant competition that produces services, fair prices and clear information for consumers." Read the full story on CongressDaily's Web site here (subscription required).

Join the Discussion

The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.

Comments powered by Disqus

 

Archives

Monthly Archives

Categories

Recent Posts

Recent Comments


Contributors

Juliana Gruenwald

Tech Writer

E-Mail: jgruenwald@nationaljournal.com.


Juliana Gruenwald has been covering tech and telecom issues for more than a decade for National Journal, Interactive Week, BNA and Congressional Quarterly. This is her second stint with National Journal. She was recruited by NJ in 1998 to help launch its first tech policy publication, Technology Daily. She left in 2000 to cover international tech and telecom issues for Ziff Davis Media's Interactive Week magazine. She started her career at United Press International as the wire service's first Helen Thomas Intern. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. A Minneapolis native, she misses the lakes but not the cold.


Josh Smith

Tech Reporter

E-Mail: joshsmith@nationaljournal.com.


Josh Smith covers technology policy as a staff reporter for National Journal. He previously interned at National Journal Daily, a Senate press office, and the Deseret News in Salt Lake City where he covered the state legislature, courts, and crime. In 2009 he graduated with honors from Southern Utah University after managing an award-winning student newspaper as editor-in-chief. Josh has received state, regional and national awards for his political and policy reporting, including first place in CapitolBeat’s 2009 Best of Statehouse Reporting college competition. A native of drop-dead-gorgeous Utah, Josh lives in Virginia with his wife, Amber.