The Federal Communications Commission launched three formal Notices of Inquiry on Thursday through which it will closely scrutinize the mobile wireless market in the United States. The commission said it expects the three interrelated probes to lay the groundwork for future public policy-making that fosters innovation and investment, promotes competition, and ensures that consumers have all the information they need to make intelligent wireless purchasing decisions. The nation’s transition from a voice-centric world to a world of mobile Internet access “promises to increase the pace of innovation and investment, but only if we have an open and competitive marketplace that gives every great idea a chance to make its way to consumers so that the best products or services win,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Competition Is Key The FCC views wireless innovation and investment as the engines with the best potential to drive economic growth. Those engines have historically been fueled by competition, and the major beneficiary has been the American consumer, Genachowski said. “Between 1994 and 1999, there was a drop of 50 percent in the per-minute price of cell-phone service, and at the same time the number of subscribers more than tripled,” he said. Competition also creates jobs, Genachowski observed. “If we are vigilant about maintaining competition in the industry, we have every reason to expect great things as we move to mobile broadband and beyond,” he said. On the other hand, the FCC must remain wary of implementing policies that benchmark innovation and unintentionally hinder possible new entrants, technologies and business models, Commissioner Meredith Baker said. “Rather, any future action that arises” as a result of the commission’s inquiry “should ensure that capital investment will not be deterred and that innovation continues to flourish to the benefit of the American consumer,” Baker added. Empowering Consumers To succeed in its lofty goals,…

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FCC Will Take a Close Look at Wireless Industry

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