CTIA’s “Talking Points” Against Carterfone Rules

Filed under: mobile network operators, telecom - 19 Jan 2008 0:01

When I was looking for some information on Carterfone rules, I ran across this PDF from the CTIA about how the Carterfone rules should not apply to the wireless industry. I tend to disagree. Let me pick apart their talking points:

Requiring wireless networks to support any, generic device would erode the levels of service quality that wireless consumers have come to expect and demand. Um, isn’t this why the FCC exists, to ensure handsets meet the specific standards they claim to support? The fact is, I use “unapproved” handsets on AT&T and T-Mobile all the time–without issue. And their “support” claim? They hardly support handsets they sell.

Requiring commercial wireless networks to support any, generic device would compromise wireless network and handset security. Let’s look at Europe, where open handsets are the norm. Can anyone point to a single problem reported out of Europe that resulted from a generic device being on the network? Anyone?

2007 Industry Structure and Technology render 1968 Carterfone principles moot. Yeah, instead of a monopoly, we have an oligopoly. And the technologies are fairly stable, GSM and CDMA having been around the block for a while. Oh sure, new protocols are coming online. Isn’t that the FCC’s job to ensure devices are performing to standards?

Adopting Skype-rules would Chill Innovation and Raise Prices for Consumers. How so? There is nothing preventing you from continuing to give away your lousy handsets in exchange for 2 years of servitude. I will agree that it will chill innovation–as it comes from the carriers. Much like the Carterfone rules did for the public switched telephone network, innovation will come from the device manufacturers.

As usual, I’m not buying what the CTIA is selling, but let me know what you think!

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Tags: carterfone, ctia, wireless carriers Fnord

Comments (8)

8 Comments

Pingback by EQO Community | Blogs and Forums

travel further and penetrate obstructions better. The owner of this spectrum could set up low cost, high service availability, and fast wireless network that could change the face of the American wireless industry, which is generally considered alaughing stockcompared to the rest of the modern wireless world. The front runners to win this tasty bit of frequency are Verizon (evil) and Google (awesome). Verizon would likely use the spectrum to buoy their own position in the USA by offering services only
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[...] PhoneBoy wrote an interesting post today on CTIAâ��s â��Talking Pointsâ�� Against Carterfone RulesHere’s a quick excerptCTIA’s “Talking Points” Against Carterfone Rules; What’s Keeping US Mobile Phones in The Stone Age? Mobile Phones, Applications, and Subsidies; Nokia Applauds FCC Decision To Require Open Access in 700MHz Spectrum; Blog Tag And The … [...]
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[...] PhoneBoy wrote an interesting post today on CTIAâ��s â��Talking Pointsâ�� Against Carterfone RulesHere’s a quick excerptUm, isn’t this why the FCC exists, to ensure handsets meet the specific standards they claim to support? The fact is, I use “unapproved” handsets on AT&T and T-Mobile all the time–without issue. And their “support” claim? … [...]
Comment by spg

when it comes to ’skype rules’ i don’t want the operators involved at all. i do not want them to block any packets or IP address’; but i do not want them in the VOIP business either. i want to load my own choice of VOIP service onto my handset and use it over a data link that i purchase from my operator. as long as they do not intentionally block anything i do not want their help since they are sure to charge something extra for allowing the privilege.
Comment by PhoneBoy

@spg Now you’re getting into net neutrality rules, which I don’t think Carterfone ever really addressed.
Comment by mikelt

If the early development of the Internet can be compared to the American Wild West, then the rise of the U.S. cellular industry can be likened to Stalin’s Soviet Union. Carrier networks rule developers, device manufactures, and consumers with an iron fist, allowing only the services and features of their choice on their networks.
http://voip-facts.net/cell-net-neutrality.php
Comment by PhoneBoy

@mikelt The USSR and mobile network operators: sounds like an appropriate analogy, especially in the Land Of The Free.
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[...] doesn’t think that the “Carterfone rules” shouldn’t apply to wireless networks. These are the rules that state that any phone that doesn’t break the network should be allowed, [...]