Cell phones and mobile devices are an increasingly popular way people access the Internet and its offerings. Many households are deciding to drop landline phone service, while some even use their mobile devices to forgo the cost of wireline Internet in the home.

Yet wireless customers are forced to pick from limited, restrictive options when choosing to access wireless services . Due to a highly concentrated wireless market dominated by AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, Americans are bound to their providers by contract extensions and expensive early termination fees. These companies also develop exclusive contracts with handset manufacturers, forcing people to sign up for service with one provider to be able to use their desired handset.

Wireless service does not have to operate this way.

Media Access Project is working with the Federal Communications Commission to develop protections for consumers and to create a more open, competitive wireless market. MAP’s goals are to:

• Lower the cost of wireless telephony and broadband service (for wireless voice and data use)
• Decrease the price of text messaging, the transmission of which costs virtually nothing for the wireless provider
• Eliminate early termination fees and contract extensions that lock customers into a relationship with a single provider, instead of giving them the option to change providers freely at anytime
• Stop handset exclusivity deals to give people the ability to use any mobile device of their choice, regardless of their provider
• Limit the substantial barriers to entry that prevent new service providers from entering and developing in the market

Be sure to stay informed about MAP’s work to create greater competition in the wireless market:

• Read June 2009 public comments filed with the FCC by MAP, Consumers Union, Free Press, New America Foundation, and Public Knowledge.
• Read reply comments filed with the FCC by MAP, Consumers Union, Free Press, New America Foundation, and Public Knowledge.

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