Who Rules the Mobile Bands?

[Commentary] Exclusivity contracts, with which the Big Four cellphone companies lock in the hottest new phones, are a good place for regulators and Congress to turn their attention. But the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice also should look broadly at whether competition is being stifled among mobile providers. With the pattern of exclusive deals extending to new netbooks, smaller companies warn that mobile Web access could be tied up entirely. Regulators' attention may already be prompting some changes in behavior. Verizon announced it would shorten the exclusivity contracts for some handsets to six months so that rural providers can have them. More is needed, however. The FCC is directed to foster a competitive wireless marketplace, which is an important gateway to the Internet. It warrants close examination.