MyWireless.org - Lobbying for Wireless Freedom
This message has been resounding through media outlets since April, alerting consumers to the negative effects a patchwork of state-by-state regulations can have on wireless services. Consumer advocacy organization MyWireless.org™ entered the “telecom reform” chase, firing on all cylinders. Advertisements throughout political and industry publications are complemented by heavy Website, earned media, and coalition activity — all aimed at educating and mobilizing consumers about national policies that affect them.
“There is an important debate going on in our nation’s capital. Members of Congress and the Federal Communications Commission are reviewing the laws and regulations that govern telecommunications’ services, including wireless. It is a great opportunity for consumers to make their voices heard and protect their wireless freedom,” says Kimberly Kuo, Executive Director of MyWireless.org.
The current discussion in Washington, D.C. regarding the future of telecommunications policy has significant implications for wireless consumers. Today’s wireless consumers have numerous choices among service providers, pricing plans, handsets, features, and more. Wireless service continues to offer incredible value, and a steady flow of new products infuses the marketplace.
Unfortunately, countless cities and states are imposing unique rules and regulations on wireless at their own discretion. MyWireless.org informs consumers that the end result is less innovation, fewer choices among services and providers, and higher prices. Why? Because wireless becomes a service segmented by a patchwork of inconsistent and contradictory local and state laws and regulations. Therefore, wireless service providers have to alter their business operations in numerous ways. Investment capital could be scared away, and the industry’s tremendous track record for providing innovative services could be dulled. All of this hits wireless consumers the hardest, because they might lose the vast benefits of a national service with national service offerings. Wireless is a national service, one that does not recognize state borders. As MyWireless.org suggests, it is important for consumers — regardless of their zip codes — to have access to the same innovative, economical wireless prod-ucts and services. The organization argues that a consistent national policy for wireless will ensure that consumers in Manhattan, Kansas can access the same affordable, quality products and services as consumers in Manhattan, New York.
Says Kuo, “Today’s wireless consumer may quickly fall prey to a costly and confusing tangle of city and state rules on wireless. In updating the nation’s telecommunications laws, federal policymakers have the opportunity to ensure wireless freedom for all consumers by establishing one consistent national policy for wireless.”
