The FCC is set to vote today on whether to regulate data roaming the way the agency has regulated roaming for voice. So, if I’m out and about and want to make a call in an area where my mobile phone provider doesn’t have coverage, I’m supposed to be able to use the network of another provider so I can still make my call. The FCC wants to make this true for data roaming as well. However, it doesn’t always work out this way – lots of times, people are out of their zones and still can’t get coverage, even if they’re in an area covered by another network. Plus, AT&T and Verizon are not very excited about data roaming regulations. They say the markets work just fine.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.