Lawmakers Mull Changes To Wireless Phone, Internet Regs

The cell phone and mobile Internet industry could face a new regulatory framework over the next several years as lawmakers consider how to spur competition and streamline the patchwork of state laws in the wireless sector. Several senior members of a House telecommunications panel said Thursday state regulations governing consumers' contracts with wireless companies should be preempted in favor of national standards. At a hearing, House Energy and Commerce Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) said states should continue their role in resolving disputes that arise between cell phone carriers and their subscribers. Chairman Boucher wants to continue negotiating a draft state preemption bill that was crafted last year by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), who previously chaired the telecom subcommittee. State preemption is a priority for the wireless industry. Lobbyists argue that cell phones and mobile Internet services by their nature cross state lines and should be governed by a single federal standard. Lawmakers also are asking questions about exclusive arrangements between cellular providers and handset manufacturers. AT&T's deal with Apple to be the sole wireless provider for the popular iPhone has raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill. Some lawmakers think such arrangements put smaller wireless companies at a disadvantage because they don't have access to the newest gadgets.