AT&T and Verizon, the two largest carriers in America, have just been instructed by the FCC to share their networks with smaller carriers for the transfer of data. Right now the carriers have already been making deals with their rivals to share networks, but they have been voluntarily – and it has only been for voice services. Under the new FCC ruling, these deals have to be mandatory, and if the carriers can’t come to an agreement, they will have to appeal to the FCC. In preparation for AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile, it looks like the FCC wants to ensure that the playing field isn’t completely monopolized by the two largest carriers in the country. With data being an ever increasing need for folks all over the country, making sure that users of smaller networks will be able to use their mobile devices for voice calls and going online without having to use WiFi is a step in the right direction, but will it be enough? What do you think of the FCC’s new ruling?
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