But will a more liberal network usage policy strain limited bandwidth resources?

• With new FCC regulations looming, two of the telecom industry’s leaders announced on Tuesday that they would reduce restrictions currently in place on users of their cellular networks.
• AT&T will now allow users to access Skype on the 3G network to make cheaper international phone calls, and Verizon plans to collaborate with Google to produce new cell phones that will be open to any mobile application.
• Proponents of net neutrality recently found a voice in the FCC chairman, who argues that it is unfair for a company to restrict or filter Internet access for paying customers to advance its own interests.

Facts & Figures

• Verizon is the nation’s largest cell phone company.
• This announcement was made just one day before an important speech at a wireless conference by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.
• Analysts say Verizon already has a more open network policy than most other telecom companies.

Best Quote

“The timing is nice. It is the carriers saying, ‘Okay, we are responding’ and answering the market needs while also trying to stay within the guardrails that appear to be going up at the FCC.” – Mike McGuire, Vice President of Research at Gartner

Tags: AT&T, FCC, mobile phones, net neutrality, telecom, Verizon