Doyle Applauds FCC Action on Business Data Services

Statement

U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission vote today to end anti-competitive lockup provisions and begin a further rulemaking to make much-needed reforms to the Business Data Service market.

"As someone who has worked to bring more competition to our nation's broadband market, I'm very pleased by the FCC's vote today. I've been advocating for just this type of action over the last decade, and I'm very happy to see the Commission taking this critical next step."

"The FCC voted today to prohibit the use of lock-up terms and conditions, a harmful industry practice that has severely restricted competition for customers' business. The Commission also voted to move forward on additional reforms of the Business Data Service market. Institutions large and small, ranging from hospitals and schools to gas stations and many others, spend more than $45 billion annually for business data services. Reforming this market to make it more competitive will drive down prices and increase choices for business consumers."

"These new reforms come on the heels of a landmark agreement between Verizon and INCOMPAS to reform the business data service market. I'm very pleased that these stakeholders could come together and work with the Commission to establish a path towards reform."
"Chairman Wheeler's leadership has been instrumental in advancing these competitive reforms. American consumers and innovators benefit when broadband providers have to compete for their business and this is exactly what the FCC's action aim to achieve."

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