WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The board of the Federal Communications Commission has opened a study of the wireless phone market, seeking changes to encourage competition in the industry.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the wireless industry is critical to the U.S. economy, MarketWatch reported Thursday. In turn, Genachowski said, competition was vital to keeping the industry innovative.
Consumers groups have complained about exclusive deals between phone producers and carriers, such as the deal between AT&T and Apple for the carrier to hold a long term exclusive contract on the popular iPhone.
The board's five commissioners were unanimous in the vote that opened the investigation, but the two Republicans on the board said the relatively hands-off approach to the industry thus far has lead to explosive innovation and growth.
In a statement, Steve Largent, chief executive officer of CTIA, a wireless industry trade group, said, "in this industry innovation is everywhere."
