Verizon Wireless argued against rules that would curb exclusive h...
Verizon Wireless argued against rules that would curb exclusive handset agreements between carriers and equipment makers, in a written statement sent to Rep. Rick Boucher, D- Va., chairman of the telecom subcommittee. AT&T also filed a statement with the…
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committee. Boucher asked for written statements from both after the companies declined to provide witnesses at a May 7 hearing on wireless competition, citing scheduling conflicts. With Congress considering handset exclusivity legislation, Verizon said “U.S. consumers have access to more innovative devices, including the iPhone and many Blackberry and Treo models that are introduced here first. … In the last 18 months, many of the most advanced handsets have been launched in the United States, including Apple’s iPhone 3G, LG’s Voyager, Samsung’s Instinct, Google’s G1, and four Blackberry devices.” Verizon Wireless also argued that such agreements are “common throughout the American economy” and “statutorily mandated for patent holders.” The Senate Commerce Committee plans a hearing on wireless competition issues on June 17, committee sources said, but plans are in the preliminary stages.