Media Access Project (MAP) sent a letter to Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Sens. John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) and John F. Kerry (D-MA) today, responding to Verizon’s decision to allow wireless carriers to access its mobile devices after a six-month period, given that those carriers have 500,000 or fewer customers.

The letter, submitted by MAP, Free Press, and Consumers Union, underscores the fact that Verizon’s limitations on handset exclusives would benefit only about five percent of wireless consumers, since 95% of them are served by companies with more than 500,000 subscribers. The letter also highlights that a six-month period of handset exclusivity could result in fifteen months of exclusivity in practice, when taking into consideration the time it takes for carriers to bring new handsets onto the market. Under Verizon’s proposal, the majority of American mobile users would continue to suffer from barriers to innovation, competition, and freedom of expression.

Parul P. Desai, MAP Vice President, made the following statement in regards to the issue:

“Today’s attempt by Verizon to limit concerns over its exclusive handset deals with mobile device manufacturers falls far short of serving the public interest. It is clear that Verizon continues to embrace and defend unlimited handset exclusivity practices for all consumers, save a small minority. The fight for greater access and innovation in our wireless market is far from over.”

Read the letter here.

Contact:

Kamilla Kovacs
Development and Communications Manager
Media Access Project
202-454-5685
kkovacs@mediaaccess.org