CCA Says Wireless Market Isn't Competitive; Local, State Governments Say They're Not to Blame
The U.S. wireless market isn’t effectively competitive, the Competitive Carriers Association said in reply comments on the FCC’s biennial “Communications Marketplace Report.” CCA and NATOA were the only ones to file replies in docket 18-203, though most initial commenters argued…
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the U.S. wireless industry is competitive (see 1807270050). “Suggestions that the market for mobile wireless service is competitive nationwide overlook the market power of AT&T and Verizon and its negative impact on competition, as well as the continuing challenges for deployment in rural and remote areas,” CCA said. “AT&T and Verizon’s combined market share is stifling mobile wireless competition.” NATOA, which filed with the National League of Cities, said local governments aren’t to blame for shortfalls in competition. “Despite the evidence of a healthy market, some commenters assert that local governments are a barrier,” the two said. “These largely unsupported assertions do not stand up to scrutiny.” NATOA and NLC said there are many areas that won’t get investments in wireless infrastructure. “Commenters suggest that shorter shot clocks, deemed granted remedies and cost-based fees, among other things, would drive additional investment throughout the country,” they said. “Outside of the context of FCC proceedings, however, there is no indication that the wireless industry has any significant plans to deploy outside of major markets.”