Wheeler Seeks Management Info From Wireless Carriers

An FCC source has confirmed that Chairman Tom Wheeler sent letters to the other three Big Four wireless carriers asking about their network management practices, what is reasonable management, and expressing concerns similar to those in a letter to Verizon.

In a letter last week, Wheeler asked how Verizon's policy of limiting data speeds at peak times for its heaviest users with unlimited data plans squared with FCC transparency rules, saying that 'Reasonable network management' concerns the technical management of your network; it is not a loophole designed to enhance your revenue streams."

Verizon's response was that it had told subs about it and that it was common network management practice, pointing to AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. 

On Friday, Wheeler said in a press conference that the "all the other kids do it" excuse didn't wash with him.

He has also now asked those "other kids" to explain themselves as well.

John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.